ABSTRACT
Although gynaecomastia is a well-documented manifestation among male patients with hyperthyroidism, it is extremely rare to present as the initial or chief complaint in a subject with undiagnosed hyperthyroidism. We report a case of a 38-year-old Chinese man presenting with painful enlargement of both breasts of one month’s duration. Examination revealed bilateral tender gynaecomastia. In addition, he was noted to have warm and moist peripheries, resting tachycardia and an enlarged goitre. Hyperthyroidism was confirmed biochemically. Treatment of thyrotoxicosis resulted in resolution of the gynaecomastia. This case report demonstrates that gynaecomastia may predominate over the commonly recognised, more manifest and urgent symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Gynaecomastia is not a commonly recognised feature among the myriad symptoms and signs associated with hyperthyroidism. A review of the literature disclosed only eight reported cases of gynaecomastia as a presenting feature in thyrotoxicosis, and herein we describe an additional case.
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