8087 A Case Series on Thyroid Eye Disease Precipitated by the COVID Vaccine in Patients with Long-Standing Primary Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: R. Hassan: None. J. Islam: None. Background: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive inflammation and damage to the tissues around the eyes, especially extraocular muscle, connective, and fatty tissue. It is most commonly seen in patients with Graves' disease. Less commonly, TED may occur in patients with hypothyroidism. Case Discussion We are presenting a case series on TED precipitated by the COVID vaccine in three patients with known cases of long-standing hypothyroidism. References ranges:TPO Ab: (Ref range: <9.0 IU/mL)TSI: (Ref range: <=1.3 TSI index)TRAb : (Ref range: 0.00-1.75 IU/L)TSH: (Ref range: 0.450-4.500 uIU/mL)Free T4: (Ref range: 0.82-1.77 ng/dL)T3: (Ref range: 87.00 - 178.00 ng/dL) CASE 1: 59 year-old female patient with 18-year history of primary hypothyroidism on levothyroxine who presented with a 5 month history of progressive ocular symptoms of double vision and “puffy eyes” along with other thyrotoxic symptoms. These occurred after receiving her second COVID-19 vaccine. Labs showed elevated TSI and TRAb (3.0, 6.32). TPO antibody was within normal limits at 0.5. Patient had undetectable TSH and free T4 within normal range (162, 1.08). CASE 2: 70 year-old female patient with 25-year history of primary hypothyroidism on levothyroxine who presented with a 4 month history of eye discomfort, eyelid blistering and ocular swelling after she receiving her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. She was found to have increased ocular pressure per her ophthalmologist. On lab work, she was found to have elevated TSI and TRAb (7.1, 2.60). TPO antibody was within normal limits at 0.8. TSH was undetectable and free T4 were within normal range (159.76, 1.49). CASE 3: 82 year-old female with 30-year history of primary hypothyroidism on levothyroxine who started developing diplopia and proptosis over a 6 month course after she received her first COVID-19 vaccine.Labs showed elevated TSI and TRAb (5.1, 17). Her TPO antibody was within normal limits at 0.4. Her TSH was undetectable, and free T4 was within normal limits (71.76, 1.32). All three patients were started on low-dose methimazole, prednisone, and completed an eight week infusion course of Teprotumumab (Tepezza) with subsequent improvement of proptosis and diplopia. Conclusion Providers should be aware that patients with long standing hypothyroidism, who suddenly require less to no thyroid hormone replacement along with new onset ocular symptoms could be developing TED. This had previously been thought to be solely associated with Graves’ Disease but now has been seen with an uptick in incidence in patients with chronic hypothyroidism during the COVID pandemic. This is likely related to immune response that been associated with vaccines. Presentation: 6/3/2024