Objective: This retrospective study analyzes outcomes of nine patients (three females, six males) admitted to the endocrinology department from 2020 to 2024. Initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), they were later found to have thyroid dysfunction, highlighting the importance of endocrine disorders in diagnosing movement disorders.

Background: Neuroendocrinology significantly affects movement, with hormonal imbalances influencing onset and progression of movement disorders. The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis is linked to dopaminergic pathways and plays a vital role in motor control. Hypothyroidism can mimic parkinsonism, causing symptoms like bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremors. Misdiagnosis can delay treatment and lead to unnecessary dopaminergic therapies. Identifying thyroid dysfunction is crucial for optimizing outcomes.

Method: We reviewed medical records of nine patients (mean age: 64.3 years, range: 58–72) treated for PD but diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction. All underwent neurological examinations, brain imaging, and thyroid function tests (TSH, FT4, FT3). We assessed symptoms, dopaminergic response, and thyroid treatment responses.

Results: Thyroid dysfunction was confirmed in all: seven had hypothyroidism (mean TSH: 8.2 mIU/L, FT4: 9.8 pmol/L) and two had hyperthyroidism (mean TSH: 0.12 mIU/L, FT4: 22.5 pmol/L). Common symptoms included tremors (78%), bradykinesia (67%), and rigidity (55%). Initially suggesting PD, dopaminergic therapy resulted in minimal improvement. After thyroid treatment—levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and antithyroid medication for hyperthyroidism—motor symptoms improved significantly. Within six months, 88% showed substantial reduction in parkinsonian features, with complete resolution in three cases.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of thorough endocrine evaluation in patients with parkinsonian symptoms. Thyroid dysfunction can mimic PD, leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Routine thyroid function tests in suspected PD cases are crucial for accurate diagnosis. With proper hormonal therapy, symptom reversibility can significantly improve outcomes, reducing misdiagnosis burdens.

« Back to 2025 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-retrospective-study-on-thyroid-dysfunction-mimicking-parkinsonian-symptoms/