General Medicine

» alibaba25 - inflammatory markers in autoimmune disease

I am hoping some one can help. I have possible Hashimoto's thyroiditis, had a us scan (after having TSH test of 5.5 and then 4.0 for quite sometime, Lab ref range 0.5-5.5) that suggested changes of thyroiditis. I was told the thyroid was slightly bulky and contained numerous hyperechoic nodules and it was hypervascular on colour flow doppler. A tiny subcutaneous cystic lesion was found on the posterior aspect of the neck (that I pointed out as I found a lump)
For many years I have had fatigue, inappropriate lactation before I had children, Low BP, times of having palpatations. I have now spent approx 18months really ill and have developed most if not all the symptoms of hypothyroidism I gained approx 16lb, and for about 8months I have been getting chest pain swollen neck veins and glands,pain on swallowing/talking occasional rapid heart beat and palpatations, I am now begining to lose a bit of weight, so feel I am moving into hyper phase.
However what is bugging me is if I have thyroiditis why do I have negitive tests for inflammatory markers? This has not only happen the once but on numerous occations.
I also have proctitis of the bowel that too showed to be neg when testing for inflammatory markers.
If you could shed some light on this subject and what might be happening to me I would be greatful, as I want to have all the knowledge possible when I see an endocrinologist in July. I am not being treated for Hashimoto's. Thankyou Ali

-- posted by alibaba25

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» Elaine Moore - inflammatory markers in autoimmune disease

In response to inflammatory markers in autoimmune disease posted by alibaba25:
Hi Ali,
Inlammatory markers, such as the sed rate and the CRP test, are often only elevated in the acute phases of inflammation. For instance you can have an ongoing low-grade inflammation in Hashimoto's that only shows a rise in inflammation when you're exposed to allergens or other triggers that stimulate the immune system. For this reason, these tests aren't used as specific indicators of any one particular disease.

In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the presence of TSH receptor, thyroglobulin and TPO antibodies would be better indicators of an autoimmune process. If TSH receptor antibodies are present, your TSH level can be falsely decreased and misleading. Tests for FT4 and FT3 are better indicators of your true thyroid status. An elevated prolactin level is common in hypothyroidism and can account for your symptoms of inappropriate lactation. If you have TSH receptor antibodies it's not unusual to move from hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism and it's also common to have transient symptoms of hyperthyroidism while you're primarily hypothyroid in a condition called Hashitoxicosis. Best, Elaine

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