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Questions and Answers
Which factor is NOT associated with the predisposition to Graves' disease?
Which factor is NOT associated with the predisposition to Graves' disease?
What is the most common manifestation of Graves' disease?
What is the most common manifestation of Graves' disease?
In which percentage of patients with Graves' disease does thyroid eye disease typically occur?
In which percentage of patients with Graves' disease does thyroid eye disease typically occur?
Which of the following is a possible precipitating factor for Graves' disease?
Which of the following is a possible precipitating factor for Graves' disease?
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What role do TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) play in the context of Graves' disease?
What role do TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) play in the context of Graves' disease?
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What is a characteristic feature of deQuervain’s thyroiditis?
What is a characteristic feature of deQuervain’s thyroiditis?
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Which of the following conditions is most likely to lead to hyperthyroidism with a predictable course of hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism?
Which of the following conditions is most likely to lead to hyperthyroidism with a predictable course of hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism?
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What mechanism drives the hyperthyroidism seen in Graves' disease?
What mechanism drives the hyperthyroidism seen in Graves' disease?
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Which symptom is least likely to be associated with hyperthyroidism?
Which symptom is least likely to be associated with hyperthyroidism?
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Which of the following statements regarding toxic adenoma is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding toxic adenoma is correct?
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Which condition is associated with the presence of TSH receptor antibodies?
Which condition is associated with the presence of TSH receptor antibodies?
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What is the recommended starting dose of Levothyroxine for treating primary hypothyroidism?
What is the recommended starting dose of Levothyroxine for treating primary hypothyroidism?
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Which thyroid function test is NOT typically included when assessing thyroid function?
Which thyroid function test is NOT typically included when assessing thyroid function?
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In which situation is fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a thyroid nodule typically indicated?
In which situation is fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a thyroid nodule typically indicated?
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What is the effect of taking Levothyroxine with calcium or ferrous sulfate?
What is the effect of taking Levothyroxine with calcium or ferrous sulfate?
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What should be excluded or treated before starting levothyroxine in patients with suspected central hypothyroidism?
What should be excluded or treated before starting levothyroxine in patients with suspected central hypothyroidism?
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Which of the following is a thyroid hormone synthesis inhibitor used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism?
Which of the following is a thyroid hormone synthesis inhibitor used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism?
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Which of the following treatments is indicated mainly in preparation for surgery or managing a thyroid storm?
Which of the following treatments is indicated mainly in preparation for surgery or managing a thyroid storm?
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What is a common side effect associated with the use of Propythiouracil (PTU) for hyperthyroidism treatment?
What is a common side effect associated with the use of Propythiouracil (PTU) for hyperthyroidism treatment?
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What is a potential complication of performing a total thyroidectomy?
What is a potential complication of performing a total thyroidectomy?
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What is the primary cause of primary hypothyroidism?
What is the primary cause of primary hypothyroidism?
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Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with hyperthyroidism?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with hyperthyroidism?
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How does thyroid hormone affect the cardiovascular system?
How does thyroid hormone affect the cardiovascular system?
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Which autoimmune condition is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient countries?
Which autoimmune condition is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient countries?
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What distinguishes central or secondary hypothyroidism from primary hypothyroidism?
What distinguishes central or secondary hypothyroidism from primary hypothyroidism?
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Which of the following describes a potential cause of thyroid tissue destruction in primary hypothyroidism?
Which of the following describes a potential cause of thyroid tissue destruction in primary hypothyroidism?
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What role does thyroid hormone play during childhood?
What role does thyroid hormone play during childhood?
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What is the impact of thyroid hormone on muscle tissue?
What is the impact of thyroid hormone on muscle tissue?
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What is the characteristic pathologic hallmark of thyroiditis?
What is the characteristic pathologic hallmark of thyroiditis?
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Which condition exhibits persistently high TSH with normal T4 levels?
Which condition exhibits persistently high TSH with normal T4 levels?
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What factor may prompt treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism?
What factor may prompt treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism?
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Which of the following is commonly associated with overt hyperthyroidism?
Which of the following is commonly associated with overt hyperthyroidism?
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What is a potential cause of hyperthyroidism related to autoimmune response?
What is a potential cause of hyperthyroidism related to autoimmune response?
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Which statement regarding subclinical hypothyroidism is true?
Which statement regarding subclinical hypothyroidism is true?
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Which of the following is not a cause of hyperthyroidism?
Which of the following is not a cause of hyperthyroidism?
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Which lymphocytic condition is characterized by scar tissue formation and possible goiter?
Which lymphocytic condition is characterized by scar tissue formation and possible goiter?
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What characterizes viral thyroiditis, specifically deQuervain’s thyroiditis?
What characterizes viral thyroiditis, specifically deQuervain’s thyroiditis?
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Which of the following best explains the mechanism of hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease?
Which of the following best explains the mechanism of hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease?
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What is a potential long-term outcome of deQuervain’s thyroiditis?
What is a potential long-term outcome of deQuervain’s thyroiditis?
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Which symptom is primarily associated with increased sympathetic activity in hyperthyroidism?
Which symptom is primarily associated with increased sympathetic activity in hyperthyroidism?
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Which of the following conditions could lead to hyperthyroidism but is not autoimmune in nature?
Which of the following conditions could lead to hyperthyroidism but is not autoimmune in nature?
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What does a high uptake of radioiodine or technetium indicate in a hyperthyroid patient?
What does a high uptake of radioiodine or technetium indicate in a hyperthyroid patient?
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For Levothyroxine treatment of primary hypothyroidism, how should the dosage be titrated in elderly patients with unstable heart disease?
For Levothyroxine treatment of primary hypothyroidism, how should the dosage be titrated in elderly patients with unstable heart disease?
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Which antibody is specifically associated with Graves' disease?
Which antibody is specifically associated with Graves' disease?
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What factor should be avoided when taking Levothyroxine to ensure optimal absorption?
What factor should be avoided when taking Levothyroxine to ensure optimal absorption?
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In which scenario is Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) most likely indicated?
In which scenario is Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) most likely indicated?
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What is the primary aim when treating patients with levothyroxine therapy in cases of suspected central hypothyroidism?
What is the primary aim when treating patients with levothyroxine therapy in cases of suspected central hypothyroidism?
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Which of the following side effects is least likely to be associated with the use of Carbimazole for hyperthyroidism treatment?
Which of the following side effects is least likely to be associated with the use of Carbimazole for hyperthyroidism treatment?
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In which situation may beta-adrenergic blockers be primarily used in the context of hyperthyroidism treatment?
In which situation may beta-adrenergic blockers be primarily used in the context of hyperthyroidism treatment?
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What is the most appropriate management for a patient with severe thyroiditis?
What is the most appropriate management for a patient with severe thyroiditis?
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Which procedure is most likely indicated as a treatment option for patients with refractory hyperthyroidism and compressive features?
Which procedure is most likely indicated as a treatment option for patients with refractory hyperthyroidism and compressive features?
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What is the typical yearly progression rate from subclinical hypothyroidism to overt hypothyroidism?
What is the typical yearly progression rate from subclinical hypothyroidism to overt hypothyroidism?
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Which condition primarily leads to autoimmune hyperthyroidism?
Which condition primarily leads to autoimmune hyperthyroidism?
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Under which circumstances is treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism generally recommended?
Under which circumstances is treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism generally recommended?
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What laboratory finding typically characterizes overt hypothyroidism?
What laboratory finding typically characterizes overt hypothyroidism?
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Which factor is least likely to indicate subclinical hypothyroidism treatment?
Which factor is least likely to indicate subclinical hypothyroidism treatment?
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What is a potential cause of hyperthyroidism related to excessive hormone production?
What is a potential cause of hyperthyroidism related to excessive hormone production?
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What distinguishes subclinical hyperthyroidism from overt hyperthyroidism?
What distinguishes subclinical hyperthyroidism from overt hyperthyroidism?
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Which statement correctly describes secondary hyperthyroidism?
Which statement correctly describes secondary hyperthyroidism?
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What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient countries?
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient countries?
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Which of the following systemic effects is NOT caused by thyroid hormones?
Which of the following systemic effects is NOT caused by thyroid hormones?
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What can cause goitre in the context of hypothyroidism?
What can cause goitre in the context of hypothyroidism?
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What characterizes the pathophysiology of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
What characterizes the pathophysiology of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
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Which of the following symptoms is typically associated with hypothyroidism?
Which of the following symptoms is typically associated with hypothyroidism?
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In the context of hypothyroidism, what does the term 'cretinism' refer to?
In the context of hypothyroidism, what does the term 'cretinism' refer to?
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With regards to TSH actions on the thyroid gland, which of the following is NOT a consequence of TSH binding?
With regards to TSH actions on the thyroid gland, which of the following is NOT a consequence of TSH binding?
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Which condition is characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in subcutaneous tissues?
Which condition is characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in subcutaneous tissues?
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What is one of the critical symptoms of thyroid storm?
What is one of the critical symptoms of thyroid storm?
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What treatment is recommended for moderate-severe thyroid eye disease?
What treatment is recommended for moderate-severe thyroid eye disease?
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What muscle dysfunction is commonly seen in thyroid eye disease?
What muscle dysfunction is commonly seen in thyroid eye disease?
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Which of the following is NOT a complication of myxoedema?
Which of the following is NOT a complication of myxoedema?
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What is a possible consequence of untreated goitre?
What is a possible consequence of untreated goitre?
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What factor can exacerbate thyroid eye disease?
What factor can exacerbate thyroid eye disease?
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Which intervention is primarily used in the acute management of a thyroid storm?
Which intervention is primarily used in the acute management of a thyroid storm?
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Study Notes
Thyroid Function & Disease
- RCSI Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Medicine, focused on thyroid function and disease.
- RCSI aims to develop healthcare leaders globally.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will define hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
- Students will explain the pathophysiology of both conditions.
- Students will list cardinal symptoms and signs of both conditions.
- Students will explain the cause of each symptom in both conditions.
- Students will develop differential diagnoses for both conditions.
- Students will understand investigative and management principles for thyroid disorders.
Thyroid Hormone
- Thyroid hormone significantly impacts all body organs, especially in response to stress.
- It increases basal metabolic rate and thermogenesis.
- Cardiovascular system: Increases beta-receptor expression leading to enhanced cardiac output and contractility.
- Respiratory system: Increases oxygenation by stimulating respiratory centers and enhancing lung perfusion.
- Skeletal muscle: Increases fast-twitch muscle fiber expression.
- Metabolism: Enhances basal metabolic rate, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein anabolism.
- Growth: Works synergistically with growth hormone to promote bone growth during childhood.
- Central nervous system: Influences brain maturation prenatally, affecting mood, memory, and sleep in adults.
- Reproductive system: Influences fertility, ovulation, and menstruation.
Hypothyroidism
- Definition: A pathological condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion.
- Primary hypothyroidism (high TSH, low free T4): Thyroid gland failure. Despite pituitary stimulation (TSH), the thyroid gland cannot respond to produce T4.
- Central/secondary hypothyroidism: Deficient TSH production commonly due to pituitary lesions (e.g., tumors). Low T4; normal or low TSH. No compensatory increase in TSH despite low T4 levels.
- Differentials (primary hypothyroidism):
- Congenital: Agenesis of the thyroid gland. Screened at birth.
- Autoimmune: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (most common cause in iodine-sufficient areas; characterized by thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO))., Reidel's thyroiditis (T cell/IgG4-mediated inflammation leading to fibrosis extending beyond the thyroid capsule), Radiation (e.g., radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism), Post-thyroidectomy, and Infiltrative diseases (e.g., haemochromatosis).
- Anti-thyroid drugs (e.g., lithium, iodine-containing drugs, radiographic contrast material, amiodarone, checkpoint inhibitors).
Hyperthyroidism
- Definition: A pathological disorder characterized by excessive thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion.
- Hyperthyroidism is often associated with thyrotoxicosis.
- Primary hyperthyroidism: Elevated free T4; suppressed/undetectable TSH (<0.1).
- Secondary hyperthyroidism: Elevated T4; elevated TSH.
Pathophysiology
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis: TRH released from the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release TSH. TSH then stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.
- TSH binds to TSH receptors on thyroid cells, leading to T3 and T4 production and thyroid gland hyperplasia.
- T3 and T4 impact various organs, enhancing metabolism, growth, development, and catecholamine effects.
Hypothyroidism Causes
- Primary gland insufficiency is most common.
- Pituitary and hypothalamus (secondary & tertiary) less common.
- Iodine deficiency is a widespread global cause.
- Autoimmune (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is common in developed and iodine-sufficient countries.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
- Symptoms related to decreased metabolic rate include: Bradycardia, weight gain, cold intolerance, poor appetite, hair loss, cold dry skin, constipation, myopathy.
- Children may exhibit cretinism (short stature, intellectual disability).
Hypothyroidism Signs and Symptoms
- Psychological: poor memory, poor concentration, poor hearing, hoarseness.
- Heart: Slow pulse rate, pericardial effusion
- Muscular: Delayed reflex relaxation
- Extremities: Coldness, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Other: fatigue, anorexia, dry skin (coarse), brittle nails.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Inflammation of thyroid tissue.
- Most frequent cause of hypothyroidism in iodine sufficient regions.
- Associated with autoimmune factors: Primarily T cell mediated response and circulating antibodies (TPO antibodies), leading to thyroid gland damage and progressive failure.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism
- High TSH, normal T4.
- Usually treated if TSH exceeds 10, or during pregnancy/infertility, or in symptomatic patients especially in older age groups.
- Progression to overt hypothyroidism is possible (2-5% per year).
Hyperthyroidism Differentials
- Graves' disease
- Toxic multinodular goitre (MNG)
- Toxic adenoma
- Drug-induced (e.g., amiodarone)
- factitious hyperthyroidism
- Subacute viral thyroiditis
- Thyrotoxicosis (or thyroid storm)
Hyperthyroidism Causes
- Graves' disease: Autoimmune.
- Toxic multinodular goitre: Multiple nodules with autonomous hormone production. Often benign, but there is potential for malignancy.
- Toxic adenoma: Solitary nodule with autonomous hormone production.
- Viral thyroiditis (de Quervain's): Subacute granulomatous variant, often tender diffuse goitre.
- Less common: pituitary adenoma, drug-induced (e.g., amiodarone), factitious hyperthyroidism (excessive exogenous use).
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
- Hypermetabolism- Heat intolerance, weight loss, increased appetite, sweating.
- Palpitations, tachycardia; sinus, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, heart failure.
- Tremor, myopathy, restlessness, anxiety, depression.
Hyperthyroidism Additional Symptoms
- Nervousness/tremor
- Mental disturbance; irritability; difficulty sleeping
- Bulging eyes/unblinking stare; vision changes
- Enlarged thyroid (goiter); menstrual irregularities; light periods
- Frequent bowel movements; warm, moist palms
- First-trimester miscarriage/ excessive vomiting
Graves' Disease
- Antibody-mediated autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by TSH receptor antibody (TRAb)-mediated stimulation of thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to hyperthyroidism.
- Inappropriate activation of thyroid cells (TSH agonist).
- Increased T4 and T3 production.
- Hyperplasia and growth of the gland.
- Increased TSH receptor activation.
- Associated risk factors: Genetic susceptibility, immune tolerance failure, molecular mimicry, greater prevalence in females, smoking, and certain drugs. (e.g., iodine/iodide containing drugs, amiodarone, CT contrast media)
- High incidence (4.6/1000 during observation)
- Antibody: TRAb: (sensitivity and specificity over 90%)
Thyroid Eye Disease
- Autoimmune condition affecting orbital tissues.
- Often seen in combination with Graves' disease; but may occur with less severe Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- Orbital inflammation, fibrous tissue, muscular dysfunction, and impaired venous drainage. Leading to periorbital swelling.
- Symptoms: Proptosis (bulging eyes), conjunctival inflammation, periorbital edema, lid retraction, lagophthalmos, strabismus (eye misalignment), optic neuropathy from compression.
- Risk factors: Smoking, Radioactive iodine therapy.
- Treatment: Depends on severity, mild cases can be treated with selenium, or selenium therapy; moderate-severe cases benefit from steroids, immunosuppressants, or more novel treatments like teprotumumab.
Myxoedema
- Severe hypothyroidism that is life-threatening (rare).
- Characterized by accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in subcutaneous tissues (thickening of the skin).
- Associated with multiple low systems: Hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, hypotension, hypothermia, heart failure, confusion, and coma.
- High mortality (severe cases)
Thyroid Storm/Thyrotoxic Crisis
- Life-threatening emergency (acute severe hyperthyroidism)
- Often triggered by stress, infection, or surgery.
- Rapid onset with multiple serious symptoms: Fever, agitation, seizures, coma, tachycardia or atrial fibrillation (AFib), heart failure.
- Treatment: Use of beta-blockers (selective), high dose thionamides, iodine solutions, corticosteroids.
Goitre
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (swelling in the anterior neck).
- Multiple causes: Iodine deficiency, excess TSH stimulation, inflammation, scarring, masses.
Thyroid Function Tests
- Useful to investigate both hypo & hyperthyroidsim.
- Elevated TSH (low T4): Hypothyroidism
- Low TSH (high T4): Hyperthyroidism
Investigations
- Blood tests for thyroid function (TSH, T4, T3).
- Antibodies, e.g., anti-TPO, TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs)
- Radioiodine or technetium uptake
- Thyroid ultrasound (selected cases).
Hypothyroidism Treatment
- Levothyroxine (T4).
- Dose is approximately 1.6 mcg/kg body weight daily.
- Administered on an empty stomach with water, avoiding medications interfering with absorption (e.g., calcium, iron, soy).
- "Start low and go slow" in elderly patients.
- Exclude/treat concurrent adrenal insufficiency prior to Levothyroxine treatment.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism Treatment
- Treatment depends on multiple patient factors, including age, symptoms, concomitant conditions (e.g., coronary heart disease, heart failure), and thyroid peroxidase antibody status.
- Options: Observation ("wait-and-see"), treatment might be considered at certain levels dependent on clinical assessment.
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
- Pharmacological: Thyroid hormone synthesis inhibitors (e.g., carbimazole, propylthiouracil), antithyroid drugs; beta-blockers; and iodine solution.
- Procedures: Radioactive iodine ablation, Total thyroidectomy.
- Treatment of associated symptoms is important; and management is based on the cause and severity of the condition.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Graves' disease with this quiz that covers its manifestations, associated factors, and symptoms. Explore various questions about the underlying mechanisms and related conditions for a comprehensive understanding of this thyroid disorder.