Choreic Movements as Manifestation of Hyperthyroidism in an Adolescent at the Onset of Graves’ Disease

Objective; Nervous system dysfunction, including irritability, emotional lability and hyperkinesia are the signs and symptoms frequently observed in hyperthyroidism; chorea and/or choreoathetosis have also been reported in adults and rarely in pediatric age. Case report; We described the case of a 12-year-old boy with bilateral choreiform movements of the arms at the onset of the Graves’ disease. The patient was treated with metimazole and chorea disappeared with euthyroidism. Discussion; Hyperthyroidism is to be considered an unusual cause of chorea in childhood. Every child and adolescent with choreiform movements should be examined also for thyroid function.