Hyperthyroidism - Presenting as cachexia in Young Adults

Abstract

Cachexia is associated with increased mortality and affects more than 5 million people in the United States. Cachexia and associated malnutrition result in physical and psychological consequences that affect both morbidity and mortality. Cachexia can have a profound impact on quality of life, symptom burden and a patient’s sense of dignity. In our case report a patient presented with features of cachexia; at the time of presentation we put differential diagnosis are either any malignancy or HIV related cachexia , which on serological evaluation and investigation directed the differentials towards other causes for such a cachexia. He underwent Routine blood tests associated with Thyroid function tests in view of clinical features. The thyroid function tests suggested Primary hyperthyroidism. Thus in conclusion there should be very high suspicion in patients with significant weight loss who are difficult to control. Preferably the thyroid function tests to be performed in all cases who present with significant weight loss.