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Horm Metab Res 2024; 56(02): 111-117
DOI: 10.1055/a-2222-6300
Review

Thyroid Inflammation and Immunity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review and Case Study

Eleni Lampropoulou 
1   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
,
Claus Benz
2   Department of Gastroenterology, Ev. Klinikum Koeln-Weyertal, Koeln, Germany
,
George J. Kahaly
3   Dept. of Medicine I, Gutenberg University Hospital, Mainz, Germany
,
Dagmar Führer
1   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the development of various vaccines. Reports have emerged suggesting a possible association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the onset of thyroid diseases. This review explores the clinical aspects of thyroid disorders following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, including a case report of a patient with concomitant subacute thyroiditis (SAT) and Graves’ disease (GD) with blocking thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies (TSH-R-Ab) following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. SAT, characterized by transient inflammation of the thyroid gland, has been reported after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. GD, an autoimmune hyperthyroidism, has also been observed post-vaccination, often with stimulating TSH-R-Ab. Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with a history of immune thyroid disease. The unique case underscores a very rare thyroid condition of functional hypothyroidism in possible relation to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the usefulness of functional analysis of TSH-R-Ab that can provide valuable insights into disease pathogenesis and help to guide treatment. This review highlights the need for continued monitoring and awareness of potential thyroid-related complications following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Key words

COVID-19 - SARS-CoV-2 vaccination - subacute thyroiditis - Graves’ disease - thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies


Publication History

Received: 23 May 2023

Accepted after revision: 04 December 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
04 December 2023

Article published online:
29 January 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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