Abstract
We have experienced two cases (Case 1; 30-year-old female, Case 2; 46-year-old female) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) associated with Graves' disease. Case 1 was diagnosed to have Graves' disease in another hospital in 1977 and was treated with methimazole for approximately 2.5 years. With the treatment, she became euthyroid, however, arthralgia and general fatigue which appeared 5 years ago have not been improved. She admitted Gifu University Hospital for the further evaluation and treatment of RA and Graves' disease. In addition to Graves' disease and RA, she had diabetes mellitus which required insulin treatment.
Case 2 who had been diagnosed as RA in the orthopedic department of Takayama Red Cross Hospital was referred to the Department of Internal Medicine for the evaluation of palpitation, leg edema, and muscle weakness of lower extremities. She was diagnosed as Graves' disease and was started to treat with methimazole.
High prevalence of the association of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and RA has been reported, however, so far only two cases of RA associated with hyperthyroidism have been reported. Significance of the association of both diseases of autoimmune origin is discussed.
