Serendipitous Identification of Graves' Disease in Identical Twins with Polydipsia

ABSTRACT

Graves' disease in adolescents and adults usually presents with classic symptoms including weight loss, frequent stools, irritability, and heat intolerance. However, the clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism in young children are often subtle, unrecognized, and atypical. Here, we report a 6 year-old girl who presented for evaluation of increased thirst. Review of systems was negative with respect to weight loss, irritability, palpitations, diarrhea, and school performance problems. Physical exam was unremarkable except for an enlarged thyroid gland. Her identical twin sister, who incidentally accompanied her to clinic, also had a previously unidentified goiter. Testing for diabetes was negative. Further laboratory investigation was consistent with Graves' disease in both girls. Polydipsia is a rare and unusual presenting feature of hyperthyroidism in children. The evolution of this case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for thyroid disease during childhood.