Features of endoscopic findings in patients with hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto thyroiditis

INTRODUCTION: The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease, Hypothyroidism slows down all metabolic events. Therefore, it has a motility-reducing effect on the intestine. In our study, we aimed to examine the differences between hypothyroid patients and the healthy control group who underwent upper-gastrointestinal system endoscopy for dyspeptic complaints.
METHODS: Demographic data, drug, smoking and alcohol use, endoscopic, histological findings, data on TSH levels were documented. Data were analyzed statistically. Values with p>0.05 were considered significant. Endoscopic findings were compared between patients and control group. In addition, the effect of disease severity on mucosa was investigated.
RESULTS: 61 hypothyroid patients, 50 non-hypothyroid patients with functional-dyspepsia, were included in the study. Alkaline reflux and gluten enteropathy were found with a significantly higher rate in hypothyroid patients. Alkaline reflux and gluten enteropathy were found with a significantly higher rate in the group with TSH level higher than 10 mIU/L. Atrophic gastritis was observed with a higher rate in the hypothyroid patient group and the group with high TSH, but it was not statistically significant. There was no difference between the groups in terms of other endoscopic findings.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common autoimmune phenomenon. It is closely associated with other autoimmune events. Since hypothyroidism slows down the metabolic rate, the intestinal passage time is prolonged. As a result, alkaline reflux occurs in patients. However, the results we found need to be supported by prospective studies conducted with larger patient groups.