HIGH PBI¹³¹CONCENTRATION IN BLOOD OF PATIENTS WITH MYXEDEMA: PRELIMINARY REPORT

Abstract

The rate of appearance of organically bound I131 in the blood is generallyconsidered as an index of thyroid gland activity. Recently, however, we observed 2 cases with clearcut hypothyroidism in which the concentration of PBI131 rose to abnormally high values. Case 1. A female patient, aged 52 years, had hyperthyroidism in 1951, and in Januaiy 1952 a subtotal thyroidectomy was performed. In October 1952 sensitivity to cold and failing memory indicated hypothyroidism. At examination she showed a dry skin, a pulse rate of 56 per min. and BMR – 20 per cent. The serum concentration of cholesterol was 312 mg. per 100 ml. and of PBI, 1.3 μg. per 100 ml. Case 2. A female patient, aged 57 years, underwent subtotal thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism in 1943. In 1952 she was seen for complaints that were already of long standing: fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and failing memory. At examination she showed a dry skin, a pulse rate of 60 per min. and BMR – 16 per cent. The serum concentration of cholesterol was 475 mg....