Resurgence of bovine thyroid consumption: a rare case of factitious thyrotoxicosis

Abstract

Factitious thyrotoxicosis (FTT) from exogenous thyroid hormone ingestion is an uncommon cause of thyrotoxicosis requiring distinct management from endogenous causes. We report a 19-year-old male patient who developed thyrotoxicosis after consuming raw bovine thyroid purchased online. Laboratory evaluation revealed suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone, elevated free thyroxine hormone levels, and normal thyroglobulin levels with negative anti-thyroid antibodies and normal thyroid ultrasonography, strongly supporting the diagnosis. The patient was successfully managed with supportive care, and thyroid hormone levels trended downward during hospitalization. Clinicians should obtain detailed dietary and supplement histories when evaluating thyrotoxicosis, as emerging online health trends may promote the consumption of various unusual items such as raw animal organs. Suppressed thyroglobulin is a key diagnostic marker distinguishing FTT from endogenous causes.