propylthiouracil and Angina-Pectoris--Variant

We describe a postmenopausal women with new onset of variant angina caused by thyrotoxicosis due to Graves' disease. During exercise bicycle ergometry at 50 Watts, the patient developed typical angina with ST segment elevation in the precordial leads. A coronary angiogram revealed normal coronary arteries. Graves' disease with overt hyperthyroidism was diagnosed. After achieving an euthyroid state with administration of propylthiouracil, the symptoms resolved completely and the patient had a normal exercise capacity without electrocardiographic changes. Thus, we conclude that in patients with thyrotoxicosis, variant angina and normal coronary arteries, restoration of normal thyroid function may be curative.

Topics: Angina Pectoris, Variant; Antithyroid Agents; Echocardiography; Exercise Test; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Propylthiouracil; Thyrotoxicosis; Treatment Outcome