Correlation between the depth of inverted T waves and the serum level of ferritin in a deferoxamine-treated patient with primary hemochromatosis and hyperthyroidism.

A 74-year-old female having primary hemochromatosis and hyperthyroidism is described. The initial ECG showed sinus rhythm, and depression of ST segments and inversion of T waves in I, II, III, aVF, and V4-6. By deferoxamine and propylthiouracil, the serum level of ferritin was decreased from 4, 500 ng/ml to 440 ng/ml in a period of 6 months. The thyroid function was also returned to normal. After cessation of both drugs, the serum ferritin level increased gradually reaching a level of 3, 100 ng/ml in the next 15 months but the thyroid function remained normal. During and after the deferoxamine administration, the depth of inverted T waves became more shallow and gradually deeper again, respectively. There seemed to be a correlation between the depth of inverted T waves and the serum level of ferritin. It was, however, unlikely that toxic iron may have induced the hyperfunction of the thyroid gland.