Graves' Disease Presenting as Urticaria

Abstract

Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by the presence of antibodies targeting the thyroid gland. Commonly, the disease presents with symptoms of thyrotoxicosis such as sweating, tremors, and weight loss; less frequently, patients with GD might also have urticaria. Urticaria is clinically defined as the presence of wheals, angioedema, or both. While its pathophysiology is not completely understood, urticaria is believed to be an immune-mediated response activating mast cells, leading to the release of histamine and cytokines. Although the association between urticaria and GD is well established, it is uncommon for GD patients to present with urticaria as their sole complaint. In this paper, we present a case of a previously healthy patient who originally presented to the dermatology clinic with urticaria alone; however, she developed thyrotoxic symptoms soon after. Furthermore, her treatment was complicated by developing an allergic reaction to carbimazole.