Question Title: Possible MS/Autoimmune problems/cmv...is there a connection?

I have a question.
I have had Hoshimoto's Thyroiditis with a slight goiter now for about 4 years. My thyroid levels have been monitored, and have reached the normal levels with the use of Synthroid. I also am being tested for possible MS...is there a relation between having an autoimmune disease and the possibility of having MS? My doctors have tried changing my meds to Cytomel to see if the T4/T3 factor was causing all the symptoms...and all that did was raise my levels. So we went back to the Synthroid, and the levels are now back to normal. I also have a sister who is 2 years older than myself (I'm 34) and she was just dx'd with Hoshimoto's also. She also has carple tunnel in the left arm. My mother was dx'd with diabetes this past year, and has developed Neuropathy in her legs. She also has "hereditary tremors" and I too have noticed that I am having tremors. Although my doc doesnt seem to know whether they are hereditary or otherwise. I have a friend who has HNPP and said that I would be smart in having the DNA test done to see if there is the depletion of the chromosone that causes HNPP. (With it being hereditary...she thinks there is a possibility that there is a connection with my mom, sister and I) Also...as a small child and as an adult, I have had 2 bouts with CMV...is there any relation with that? I return to my GP on Friday, and would like to have any thing that I can to help him decide what tests should be run. We are in the process of looking into having an MRI of the brain and neck right now...but, I am not sure if there should be anyother tests done at this point. I have had about 3 weeks of feeling good...and now I am starting again to go into a relapse, and want to know all that I can. Thank you for your time. Cheryl

---

Dear Cheryl:

1) There may be a modest association of antithyroid antibodies and some other autoantibodies (such as ANA) and multiple sclerosis. Also, there is increasing concern that the use of interferons (Betaseron, Avonex) for MS treatment may be associated with a somewhat increased risk of auto-immune thyroid disease.

2) Tremors and carpal tunnel syndrome frequently run in families. Familial occurence of autoimmune thyroiditis is not uncommon. And diabetes of adult onset, of course, runs in families.

3) Neuropathy is extremely common in diabetes.

4) The history of CMV infection may not be important.

I hope this answers your questions. I do not think the HNPP gene needs to be pursued, unless anyone in your family begins getting multiple entrapment neuropathies.

You may benefit by visiting a major academic MS center near you for definitive answers to your diagnostic questions. The Mellen Center in Cleveland is one such, and an appointment can be made by calling (800)223-2273, if this is practical.

---