Crohn’s disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and beta-thalassemia trait in an adolescent: an unusual combination of diseases

Abstract

An adolescent with complaints of fatigue, tachycardia, abdominal discomfort, and blood-stained diarrhea is presented. Clinical and laboratory evaluation revealed a microcytemic anemia with iron deficiency, beta thalassemia, and thyrotoxicosis with thyroid antibodies. Crohn’s disease was confirmed on endoscopy. A rapid normalization of clinical and laboratory parameters was observed following the initiation of therapy and further exacerbation of her illness was prevented. Although the simultaneous occurrence of Crohn’s disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and a beta-thalassemia trait is likely to be coincidental, the combination of an autoimmune thyroid disease and Crohn’s disease is rare in pediatrics. Several issues of importance in the treatment of these conditions are discussed. Rectal blood loss associated with Crohn’s disease may lead to severe iron deficiency, especially in patients with preexistent beta-thalassemia trait, and those with thyroiditis are prone to developing hypothyroidism following treatment, requiring that they be monitored closely.