Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Case Study

 

Keywords

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, autoimmune disease

Word count

word count <2000 words

Author/s

Tori Kute and Kerri Falk

Abstract

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is often associated with arthralgia, myalgia, can lead to myopathy. Physical therapy can assist with the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal materializations that are seen in many patients with the condition. Physical therapy emphasis is on restoring the secondary effects of the disease such as restoration of joint range of motion, alleviation of pain in joints and muscles, and restoring strength due to muscle weakness. This case study depicts what may be seen in a patient coming to Physical therapy with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis as well as clinical impression, interventions, and outcomes.

Introduction

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was first discovered in 1912 by Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto (1881−1934). Hashimoto's thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is an organ specific autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is attacked by cell and antibody mediated responses. Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. Incidence is estimated to be 3.5 per 1000 per year in women and 0.8 per 1000 per year in men, or 1-2% of the population. The disease slowly can progress over time into thyroid deficiency. Musculoskeletal and neuromuscular manifestations can occur at any time during the disease process. According to a study by Cakir M, Samanci N, Balci N, Balci MK adhesive capsulitis, Dupuytren’s contracture, trigger finger, limited joint mobility and carpal tunnel syndrome have all been found in patients with hypothyroidism. 

Case Presentation

Susan is a 46 year old elementary school teacher. She reports that she has been feeling more fatigued over the last couple of months compared to previously. She attributed it to beginning a new school year. Susan complains of feeling overall muscle aches and stiffness especially at her neck during that time that was not progressed or lessened. It has not been relieved with ibuprofen or heat. Patient has a tender palpable mass on the anterior aspect of her neck. Personal and familial history of hypothyroidism. Cervical and thoracic ROM limited in several directions.

-Medical diagnosis: hypothyroidism 3 years prior
-Co-morbidities: hypertension, Type 2 diabetes mellitus
-Past medical history: ACL reconstruction when she was twenty.
-Family medical history: grandmother had hypothyroidism. Father had an MI at approximately 55 years old.
-Medications/supplements: lisinopril (anti-hypertensive); multi-vitamin, synthroid
-Previous physical therapy treatment: Following ACL reconstruction approximately twenty years ago. Treatment for adhesive capsulitis 4 years prior.
-Self-reported outcomes: Neck Disability Index: 64%; Canadian Occupational Performance Measure unremarkable.
-Physical performance outcomes: 5 times sit to stand 11.2 seconds; continuous scale- physical functional performance 63%
-Objective: Upon palpation of anterior neck there was the presence of a painful, palpable mass. Upper quarter screen: C4/5 weakness bilaterally. Remaining myotomes and dermatomes were within normal limits. Positive Phalen’s test and positive Tinel’s sign.
ROM: Cervical flexion limited to 10 degrees. Cervical extension 35 degrees. Left cervical rotation 26 degrees. Thoracic spine flexion limited to 10 degrees. Side bending bilaterally limited to 15 degrees each side. Remaining upper quarter ROM WNL.

Clinical Impression

Increased fatigue
Overall muscle aches and stiffness in neck not lessening
Palpable tender mass in anterior neck
C4/5 weakness bilaterally
Cervical flexion limited to 10᠐
Cervical extension limited to 35᠐
Left cervical rotation limited to 26᠐
Thoracic spine flexion 10᠐
Bilateral cervical side bending 15᠐
NDI 64%
Physical function performance 63%
Known systemic problem (hypothyroidism)
Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Intervention

Discussed POC with patient 2x week for 4 weeks

Referred her to PCP regarding bilateral symptoms, and called physician regarding bilteral symptom findings

Patient education regarding posture and sleeping mechanics
Postural retraining of the cervical spine
Ergonomic training
Strengthening exercises of trunk and postural back muscles
Postural stability training of the postural back muscles
Core stabilization exercises
Stretching exercises for the wrist and hands
Nerve tendon gliding of the median nerve

Outcomes

Conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome alleviated the symptoms.
Ergonomic training

Discussion

There is limited research on physical therapy to treat Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, however
Physical therapists are able to treat the musculoskeletal impairments secondary to the disease. Recent studies show it is not uncommon for persons with hypothyroidism to have carpal tunnel syndromeamong other musculoskeletal impairments. Physical therapist discretion must be used and thorough differential diagnosis must be performed in order to carefully screen for rheumatic and certain neurological diseases which are a contraindication for manipulation. More research must be performed in the area of how physical therapy can assist patients who are experiencing musculoskeletal impairments secondary to hypothyroid dysfunction.

Acknowledgements

If someone provided assistance with the preparation of the case study, we thank them briefly. It is neither necessary nor conventional to thank the patient (although we appreciate what they have taught us). It would generally be regarded as excessive and inappropriate to thank others, such as teachers or colleagues who did not directly participate in preparation of the paper.

References

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