Inflammation of the cardiac conduction system in a case of hyperthyroidism

A 37-year-old female showed signs of hyperthyroidism 2 weeks before death a fter a partial thyroidectomy was carried out 15 years previously. An examin ation 3 days before death revealed a normal blood cell count, an increased level of thyroidal hormones, sinus tachycardia and a high blood pressure of 170/90 mm Hg. A hyperthyroidism was diagnosed and therapy with carbimazol (2 x 10 mg) was started but 2 days later fever and chill occurred and befor e death short phases of unconsciousness and dyspnoea. The autopsy findings showed an interstitial inflammation of the AV-node, the His-bundle and its branches which can correlate with typical ECG changes in hyperthyroidism.