Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of goiter?
Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of goiter?
Goiter primarily causes swelling in the neck and has no effect on breathing.
Goiter primarily causes swelling in the neck and has no effect on breathing.
False
What anatomical structure allows the goiter to move up with deglutition?
What anatomical structure allows the goiter to move up with deglutition?
Thyroid cartilage
In a case of goiter, the thyroid gland is often described as having a __________ shaped swelling.
In a case of goiter, the thyroid gland is often described as having a __________ shaped swelling.
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Match the following goiter symptoms with their descriptions:
Match the following goiter symptoms with their descriptions:
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What is the embryological origin of the thyroid gland?
What is the embryological origin of the thyroid gland?
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The inferior parathyroid glands develop from the 4th pharyngeal pouch.
The inferior parathyroid glands develop from the 4th pharyngeal pouch.
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Name the arteries that supply blood to the thyroid gland.
Name the arteries that supply blood to the thyroid gland.
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The thyroid gland is situated opposite to the _____ cervical vertebrae.
The thyroid gland is situated opposite to the _____ cervical vertebrae.
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Which of the following is a component of the venous drainage of the thyroid gland?
Which of the following is a component of the venous drainage of the thyroid gland?
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Match the following components of the thyroid with their relevant anatomy:
Match the following components of the thyroid with their relevant anatomy:
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The thyroid gland is covered by true capsule and false capsule from the pretracheal fascia.
The thyroid gland is covered by true capsule and false capsule from the pretracheal fascia.
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What type of cells develop from the neural crest in the thyroid gland?
What type of cells develop from the neural crest in the thyroid gland?
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What is the consequence of an injury to the external laryngeal nerve?
What is the consequence of an injury to the external laryngeal nerve?
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A thyroglossal cyst is commonly found in the lateral aspect of the neck.
A thyroglossal cyst is commonly found in the lateral aspect of the neck.
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What is the primary treatment for a symptomatic lingual thyroid?
What is the primary treatment for a symptomatic lingual thyroid?
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The condition of enlargement of the thyroid gland is called __________.
The condition of enlargement of the thyroid gland is called __________.
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What investigation is used to exclude the presence of the only thyroid tissue in case of ectopic thyroid?
What investigation is used to exclude the presence of the only thyroid tissue in case of ectopic thyroid?
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Match the following functions or conditions with their corresponding terms:
Match the following functions or conditions with their corresponding terms:
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Colloid goitre occurs when there is persistent stimulation by TSH.
Colloid goitre occurs when there is persistent stimulation by TSH.
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Where is the commonest site for a thyroglossal cyst?
Where is the commonest site for a thyroglossal cyst?
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What is the primary cause of primary toxic goitre?
What is the primary cause of primary toxic goitre?
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Thyrotoxicosis is defined as having elevated levels of free T3 and free T4 in the body.
Thyrotoxicosis is defined as having elevated levels of free T3 and free T4 in the body.
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Name two treatments used in managing thyrotoxicosis.
Name two treatments used in managing thyrotoxicosis.
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Toxic goitre can either be _______ or _______.
Toxic goitre can either be _______ or _______.
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Match the following types of thyroiditis with their characteristics:
Match the following types of thyroiditis with their characteristics:
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In which age group is primary toxic goitre most common?
In which age group is primary toxic goitre most common?
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Secondary toxic goitre typically presents with exophthalmos.
Secondary toxic goitre typically presents with exophthalmos.
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List one indication for total thyroidectomy in thyrotoxicosis.
List one indication for total thyroidectomy in thyrotoxicosis.
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What is a common treatment option for a toxic nodule in a patient over the age of 45?
What is a common treatment option for a toxic nodule in a patient over the age of 45?
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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is primarily caused by anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is primarily caused by anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.
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What imaging technique is primarily used to assess a solitary thyroid nodule?
What imaging technique is primarily used to assess a solitary thyroid nodule?
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Patients with a large goiter, compression manifestations, or suspicion of malignancy should be considered for __________ treatment.
Patients with a large goiter, compression manifestations, or suspicion of malignancy should be considered for __________ treatment.
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Match each type of goiter or condition with the appropriate treatment:
Match each type of goiter or condition with the appropriate treatment:
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The majority of cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occur in which demographic?
The majority of cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occur in which demographic?
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Ultrasound is not important in the investigation of a solitary thyroid nodule.
Ultrasound is not important in the investigation of a solitary thyroid nodule.
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What may predispose a patient to Papillary thyroid carcinoma?
What may predispose a patient to Papillary thyroid carcinoma?
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What symptom is commonly associated with goiter that affects breathing when the patient lies down?
What symptom is commonly associated with goiter that affects breathing when the patient lies down?
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Which vital sign abnormality is observed in the patient with goiter symptoms?
Which vital sign abnormality is observed in the patient with goiter symptoms?
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What underlying pathophysiology typically leads to the enlargement of the thyroid gland in goiter?
What underlying pathophysiology typically leads to the enlargement of the thyroid gland in goiter?
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What is a common complication of long-standing goiter?
What is a common complication of long-standing goiter?
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Which examination finding is most indicative of the presence of a multinodular goiter?
Which examination finding is most indicative of the presence of a multinodular goiter?
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What is a characteristic finding in primary toxic goitre?
What is a characteristic finding in primary toxic goitre?
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What treatment is indicated if medical treatment fails for thyrotoxicosis?
What treatment is indicated if medical treatment fails for thyrotoxicosis?
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Which of the following conditions may lead to a thyrotoxic crisis?
Which of the following conditions may lead to a thyrotoxic crisis?
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What is the common treatment for secondary toxic goitre?
What is the common treatment for secondary toxic goitre?
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Which age group is most commonly affected by primary toxic goitre?
Which age group is most commonly affected by primary toxic goitre?
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Which enzyme is safe to use during pregnancy for managing thyrotoxicosis?
Which enzyme is safe to use during pregnancy for managing thyrotoxicosis?
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What is a common cause of thyrotoxicosis due to excess hormone secretion?
What is a common cause of thyrotoxicosis due to excess hormone secretion?
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What symptom is commonly associated with thyrotoxic crisis?
What symptom is commonly associated with thyrotoxic crisis?
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What may result from an injury to the external laryngeal nerve?
What may result from an injury to the external laryngeal nerve?
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Which investigation is most appropriate to exclude the presence of only thyroid tissue in the case of a lingual thyroid?
Which investigation is most appropriate to exclude the presence of only thyroid tissue in the case of a lingual thyroid?
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What is the commonest site for a thyroglossal cyst?
What is the commonest site for a thyroglossal cyst?
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What is the hallmark characteristic of a thyroglossal cyst during examination?
What is the hallmark characteristic of a thyroglossal cyst during examination?
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What occurs when there is a sudden drop in TSH due to factors like shock dose of iodine?
What occurs when there is a sudden drop in TSH due to factors like shock dose of iodine?
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Which of the following conditions is defined by the presence of painless midline neck swelling?
Which of the following conditions is defined by the presence of painless midline neck swelling?
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What is a potential complication of a thyroglossal cyst if inadequately managed?
What is a potential complication of a thyroglossal cyst if inadequately managed?
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What is the physiological response of the thyroid gland under persistent TSH stimulation?
What is the physiological response of the thyroid gland under persistent TSH stimulation?
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What is the primary cause of simple diffuse goitre?
What is the primary cause of simple diffuse goitre?
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Which complication is associated with a simple nodular goitre?
Which complication is associated with a simple nodular goitre?
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What is the usual treatment option for colloid goitre when symptoms are minimal?
What is the usual treatment option for colloid goitre when symptoms are minimal?
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Which diagnostic technique is recommended for assessing thyroid nodules?
Which diagnostic technique is recommended for assessing thyroid nodules?
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In which demographic is simple nodular goitre most commonly observed?
In which demographic is simple nodular goitre most commonly observed?
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What indicates the need for surgical intervention in cases of thyroid disease?
What indicates the need for surgical intervention in cases of thyroid disease?
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Which statement about the late stage of diffuse hyperplasia is true?
Which statement about the late stage of diffuse hyperplasia is true?
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Which type of surgery is indicated for localized nodular goitre?
Which type of surgery is indicated for localized nodular goitre?
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In the treatment of a primary toxic goiter for a patient over the age of 45, which of the following treatment options is preferred?
In the treatment of a primary toxic goiter for a patient over the age of 45, which of the following treatment options is preferred?
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What is the primary method for diagnosing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
What is the primary method for diagnosing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
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In the case of a solitary thyroid nodule, which imaging technique is crucial for its investigation?
In the case of a solitary thyroid nodule, which imaging technique is crucial for its investigation?
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What indicates the presence of a hot nodule on a thyroid scan?
What indicates the presence of a hot nodule on a thyroid scan?
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If a patient younger than 45 years has a toxic nodule, what is the recommended treatment?
If a patient younger than 45 years has a toxic nodule, what is the recommended treatment?
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What role does FNAC play in the management of thyroid conditions?
What role does FNAC play in the management of thyroid conditions?
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What is a common condition associated with adult females that may lead to myxedema manifestations?
What is a common condition associated with adult females that may lead to myxedema manifestations?
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In which situation would a patient be recommended for surgical intervention despite prior treatment with antithyroid drugs?
In which situation would a patient be recommended for surgical intervention despite prior treatment with antithyroid drugs?
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What is the main function of Broca's area located in the left frontal lobe?
What is the main function of Broca's area located in the left frontal lobe?
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Which artery is primarily responsible for supplying the posterior part of the brain?
Which artery is primarily responsible for supplying the posterior part of the brain?
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What is the function of the Wernicke area located in the temporal lobe?
What is the function of the Wernicke area located in the temporal lobe?
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Which lobes of the cerebrum are primarily responsible for processing somatic sensations?
Which lobes of the cerebrum are primarily responsible for processing somatic sensations?
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Which of the following best describes the Circle of Willis?
Which of the following best describes the Circle of Willis?
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What is a common treatment option for a patient experiencing symptoms of a stroke?
What is a common treatment option for a patient experiencing symptoms of a stroke?
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In which brain lobe is the awareness and processing of visual stimuli primarily handled?
In which brain lobe is the awareness and processing of visual stimuli primarily handled?
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What condition is indicated by sudden onset aphasia and weakness in lower limbs?
What condition is indicated by sudden onset aphasia and weakness in lower limbs?
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What function is associated with the Broca's area located in the left frontal lobe?
What function is associated with the Broca's area located in the left frontal lobe?
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Which artery is part of the anterior circulation supplying the brain?
Which artery is part of the anterior circulation supplying the brain?
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What role does the temporalis lobe play in brain function?
What role does the temporalis lobe play in brain function?
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How does the Circle of Willis contribute to brain blood supply?
How does the Circle of Willis contribute to brain blood supply?
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Which symptom might indicate a compromise in the blood supply from the anterior cerebral artery?
Which symptom might indicate a compromise in the blood supply from the anterior cerebral artery?
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What is the primary responsibility of the cerebellum?
What is the primary responsibility of the cerebellum?
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What condition is indicated by sudden onset aphasia and weakness in lower limbs?
What condition is indicated by sudden onset aphasia and weakness in lower limbs?
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What characteristic is linked to the awareness of visual stimuli?
What characteristic is linked to the awareness of visual stimuli?
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Study Notes
Thyroid gland Embryology
- Develops from the median bud of the pharynx at the foramen cecum (junction between anterior two-thirds and posterior third of the tongue)
- Descends in the neck passing close to or through the hyoid bone
- The remaining part of the lobes develop from ultimobranchial body (4th pharyngeal pouch) which gives rise to the superior parathyroid glands
- The inferior parathyroid glands develop from the (3rd pharyngeal pouch)
Thyroid gland Anatomy
- Situated in the neck opposite to the 5th, 6th, & 7th cervical vertebrae. Made up of 2 lobes joined by a thin band of tissues; the isthmus.
- Its apex lies below the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage while the base is at the level of 6th tracheal cartilage
- Covered by true capsule and false capsule from the pretracheal fascia
Thyroid gland Arterial supply
- Superior thyroid artery: The 1st branch of the external carotid artery. Related to the external laryngeal nerve
- Inferior thyroid artery: branch from thyrocervical trunk of subclavian artery. Related to recurrent laryngeal nerve
- Accessory esophageal and tracheal branches
- Thyroid ima (from aortic arch-only in 1-3%)
Thyroid gland Venous drainage
- Superior thyroid vein: into Internal jugular vein
- Middle thyroid vein: into Internal jugular vein
- Inferior thyroid vein: into the left innominate vein
Thyroid gland Lymphatic drainage
- Lateral part: To the upper & lower deep cervical lymph nodes (Levels: II,III,IV,Vb).
- Medial parts of both lobes: 1) Pre-laryngeal LNs over cricothyroid membrane. 2) Pre-tracheal LNs (Delphi). 3) Para-tracheal LNs (mediastinal).
Thyroid gland Related Nerves
- External laryngeal nerve: from sup.Laryngeal from vagus. Supplies cricothyroid + inferior constrictor. Injury: loss of high pitched voice + voice fatigue
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve: from Vagus nerve
Goiter
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland
Goiter Pathophysiology
- Deficiency of Thyroid hormones, either relative or absolute, stimulates the hypothalamus to produce TRH, which in turn stimulate TSH secretion.
- Persistent TSH stimulation leads to diffuse hyperplasia & hypertrophy of the thyroid gland
- If the stress is over, Involution of the gland occurs, and the gland may return to its normal size
- If the stress is persistent, hyperplasia persists → Physiological Goiter
- Sudden fall of TSH, will lead to inactivation of most of the follicles, and the acini become distended with colloid → Colloid goiter
- Fluctuation of TSH levels will lead to cycles of hyperplasia and involution
Thyrotoxicosis
- Is a clinical syndrome in which free T3 or free T4 or both are elevated and peripheral tissues are hypermetabolic, irrespective of the source of the excess hormones
- Etiology: Thyrotoxic goitre, Thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis/ De Queirvan thyroiditis), Thyrotoxic facticia ( intake of Eltroxin), Functioning thyroid carcinoma, TSH secreting pituitary adenoma, Struma ovarii (ovarian cancer secreting tumor)
Toxic Goiter
- Goitre with increased thyroid hormones
- Either: Diffuse toxic goitre (1ry/Grave’s disease), Toxic nodular goitre (2ry/Plummer’s disease), Toxic adenoma
Primary Toxic Goiter
- Autoimmune disease due to thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAb). Common in young females (20-30 years)
- Disease has abrupt onset with remission and exacerbation
- 50% of patients have a family hx of autoimmune endocrine disorders
- True exophthalmos is characteristic
- May be complicated by heart failure
- Diffuse thyroid swelling without nodules
- Toxic thyroid profile with high thyroid autoantibodies
- Treatment is mainly medical if failed Surgery or RAI
Primary Toxic Goiter Treatment
- Medical treatment: Antithyroid drugs (Neomercazol/propyl thiouracil), B-blockers, Diazepam
- Surgical treatment: Subtotal thyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy
- RAI: (teratogenic/carcinogenic): Used in old patients (˃ 45 years) after failure of medical treatment or recurrence after thyroidectomy
Thyrotoxic crisis
- Severe postoperative hyperthyroidism due to inadequate preoperative preparation
- Clinical picture: Hyperpyrexia, Hypertension, Delirium & Convulsions.
- Treatment: Cooling + lV (lndral, Corticosteroid, Propylthiouracil, Antipyretics )
Secondary Toxic Goiter
- Occurs in older females (30-50 years)
- On top of long standing nodular goitre. No exophthalmos.
- Thyroid gland is enlarged and nodular. Thyroid hormones are elevated but antibodies are within normal
- Treatment: Surgery after preoperative preparation. RAI might have a role.
Toxic Nodule
- Excess secretion of thyroid hormone from autonomous hyperactive thyroid nodule
- Manifested by thyrotoxic manifestations
- Elevated thyroid hormones, no elevated autoantibodies.
- By U/S: solitary thyroid nodule with increased vascularity
- Thyroid scan : hot nodule with suppression of the uptake of surrounding thyroid tissue.
- Treatment : Surgery & RAI might have a role in elderly
Treatment Based on Patient Age and Goiter Type
- 1ry toxic goiter: > 45yr → Radio iodine. < 45yr → small goiter → Antithyroid drugs. → Large goiter → Surgery.
- 2ry toxic goiter: Surgery
- Toxic nodule: > 45yr → Radio iodine. < 45yr → Surgery (lobectomy or hemithyroidectomy).
- Recurrence after adequate surgery: > 45yr → Ablation by radio iodine. < 45yr → Antithyroid drugs.
- Failure of treatment with antithyroid drugs: Surgery or Radio-iodine
Thyroiditis
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Most common form of thyroiditis, Autoimmune thyroiditis due to anti-thyroglobulin antibodies & thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO). Common in middle aged females. Initial manifestations of thyrotoxicosis. Later on →manifestations of myxedema. FNAC is diagnostic. May predispose to Papillary thyroid carcinoma or thyroid lymphoma. Treatment : Medical. Surgical treatment in large goitre, compression manifestations or suspicion of malignancy.
Retrosternal Goitre
- More common in males (tough neck muscles)
- Manifestations is mainly compression manifestations
- Mediastinal syndrome?!
- CT is important
- Treatment is mainly surgical (sternotomy may be required)
Solitary Thyroid Nodule
- May be clinically STN but by U/S reveals MNG (Multinodular goiter)
Solitary Thyroid Nodule Investigation
- Ultrasound
- FNAC
- TFT
- Thyroid scan
Thyroid Gland Disorders
- A 30-year-old female patient presents with neck swelling, intolerance to heat, fast heart rate, sweaty palms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, especially when lying down.
- The swelling in her neck is described as butterfly-shaped, multinodular, and extending to the retrosternal area.
- The swelling moves up with deglutition (swallowing), indicating involvement of the thyroid gland.
Goiter
- Definition: Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Pathophysiology of Goiter
- Iodine Deficiency: Deficiency of thyroid hormones, either relative or absolute, triggers the hypothalamus to produce TRH, which stimulates TSH secretion.
-
Persistent TSH Stimulation: Persistent TSH stimulation leads to diffuse hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the thyroid gland, potentially resulting in:
- Physiological Goiter: Hyperplasia persists due to continuous stress.
- Colloid Goiter: Sudden decrease in TSH leads to inactivation of follicles and distension of acini with colloid.
- Nodular Goiter: Fluctuation of TSH levels causes cycles of hyperplasia and involution, resulting in a mixed pattern with areas of both.
Types of Goiter
- Simple Diffuse Goiter (Physiological Goiter): Common in females, often due to increased body demands (puberty, pregnancy, lactation). Characterized by diffuse, smooth, symmetrical enlargement of the thyroid gland ("Venus Neck").
- Colloid Goiter: Late stage of diffuse hyperplasia with inactive follicles filled with colloid.
- Simple Nodular Goiter: Most common thyroid disease. Occurs due to fluctuations in TSH levels, leading to mixed patterns of active and inactive thyroid follicles. Often presents as a painless neck swelling.
Clinical Features of Goiter
-
Common Presentations:
- Neck swelling
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- Compression of the trachea or esophagus
- Hoarseness (due to recurrent laryngeal nerve compression)
- Symptoms exacerbated when lying down
Investigations for Goiter
-
Ultrasound:
- Assessment of thyroid nodule size and characteristics (TIRADS classification).
- Assessment of lymph node status.
- Guidance for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for impalpable or small nodules.
- FNAC: Performed if suspicious nodules are identified (based on TIRADS).
- Indirect Laryngoscopy: To evaluate for asymptomatic vocal cord paralysis (occurs in 4% of cases).
Treatment of Goiter
-
Indications for Surgery:
- Suspicion of malignancy
- Compression symptoms
- Cosmetic concerns
-
Types of Surgery:
- Hemithyroidectomy: Removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland (for unilateral or localized disease).
- Subtotal Thyroidectomy: Removal of a significant portion of the thyroid gland (often used for diffuse disease).
- Near Total Thyroidectomy: Removal of most of the thyroid gland with a small portion left behind.
- Total Thyroidectomy: Complete removal of the thyroid gland.
-
Surgical Approach:
- Open: Traditional surgical approach with an incision in the neck.
- Endoscopic: Minimally invasive approach using a small camera and instruments inserted through the mouth.
Thyrotoxicosis
- Definition: A clinical syndrome characterized by elevated free T3 or free T4 levels, leading to hypermetabolism in peripheral tissues.
Causes of Thyrotoxicosis
- Thyrotoxic Goiter: Excess thyroid hormone production due to an enlarged thyroid gland.
-
Other Causes:
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland (Hashimoto or De Quervain thyroiditis).
- Thyrotoxic Facticia: Ingestion of thyroid hormone medication.
- Functioning Thyroid Carcinoma: Malignant tumor of the thyroid gland producing excess thyroid hormone.
- TSH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma: Tumor in the pituitary gland producing excess TSH.
- Struma Ovarii: Ovarian cancer secreting thyroid hormone.
Types of Thyrotoxic Goiter
- Diffuse Toxic Goiter (Graves' Disease): Autoimmune disease caused by thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb).
- Toxic Nodular Goiter (Plummer's Disease): Occurs in long-standing nodular goiter (due to autonomous nodules).
Clinical Features of Thyrotoxic Goiter
-
Primary Toxic Goiter (Graves’ Disease):
- Common in young females.
- Abrupt onset with remissions and exacerbations.
- May be complicated by heart failure.
- Diffuse thyroid swelling without nodules.
- Elevated thyroid hormones with high thyroid autoantibodies.
- Characteristic exophthalmos (bulging eyes).
-
Secondary Toxic Goiter (Plummer's Disease):
- Occurs in older females.
- Enlarged and nodular thyroid gland.
- Elevated thyroid hormones but normal thyroid autoantibodies.
- No exophthalmos.
-
Toxic Nodule:
- Excess thyroid hormone production from an autonomous hyperactive thyroid nodule.
- Presents with thyrotoxic symptoms and elevated thyroid hormones without elevated autoantibodies.
- Identified on ultrasound as a solitary nodule with increased vascularity.
- Thyroid scan shows a "hot" nodule with suppression of uptake in the surrounding thyroid tissue.
Treatment of Thyrotoxic Goiter
-
Medical Treatment:
- Antithyroid drugs: Neomercazol or propylthiouracil (safe during pregnancy).
- Beta-blockers: To manage tachycardia.
- Diazepam: For aggressive central nervous system manifestations.
- Medical treatment can last up to 2 years.
-
Surgical Treatment:
- Subtotal thyroidectomy: Removal of a significant portion of the thyroid gland (often used in patients with Graves' disease).
- Total thyroidectomy: Complete removal of the thyroid gland (may be necessary for large goiters or recurrent disease).
- Indications: Failure of medical treatment, recurrent symptoms, compression manifestations.
- Requires careful preoperative preparation to minimize risk of thyrotoxic crisis.
-
Radioactive Iodine (RAI):
- Used in older patients (>45 years) with failure of medical treatment or recurrent disease after thyroidectomy.
- Teratogenic and carcinogenic, so use should be carefully considered.
Thyrotoxic Crisis
- Definition: Severe postoperative hyperthyroidism due to inadequate preoperative preparation.
- Clinical Features: High fever, hypertension, delirium, and seizures.
- Treatment: Cooling measures, intravenous administration of medications (Inderal, corticosteroids, propylthiouracil, antipyretics).
Treatment Summary
-
Primary Toxic Goiter:
- >45 years: Radioactive iodine.
-
<45 years:
- Small goiter: Antithyroid drugs.
- Large goiter: Surgery.
- Secondary Toxic Goiter: Surgery.
-
Toxic Nodule:
- >45 years: Radioactive iodine.
- <45 years: Surgery (lobectomy or hemithyroidectomy).
-
Recurrence after adequate surgery:
- >45 years: Ablation with radioactive iodine.
- <45 years: Antithyroid drugs.
- Failure of treatment with antithyroid drugs: Surgery or radioactive iodine.
Thyroiditis
-
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis:
- Most common form of thyroiditis.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis with antibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase.
- Common in middle-aged females.
- Initial presentation of thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism (myxedema).
- Diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
- May increase risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma or thyroid lymphoma.
- Treatment: Medical management, surgery may be considered for large goiters, compression manifestations, or suspicion of malignancy.
Retrosternal Goiter
- More common in males.
- Primarily presents with compression symptoms.
- May cause mediastinal syndrome.
- Important to utilize CT imaging.
- Treatment: Surgical (may require sternotomy).
Solitary Thyroid Nodule
-
Key Considerations:
- Solitary thyroid nodule versus dominant nodule within a multinodular goiter.
- Clinical assessment may suggest a solitary thyroid nodule, but ultrasound may reveal a multinodular goiter.
Investigation of Solitary Thyroid Nodule
- Ultrasound
- Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
- Thyroid Function Tests (TFT)
- Thyroid Scan
Lobes of the Cerebrum
- Frontal Lobe: Controls motor function, responsible for expressive language (Broca's area).
- Temporal Lobe: Processes auditory information and is involved in the interpretation of speech (Wernicke's area).
- Parietal Lobe: Responsible for awareness and processing of somatic sensations like touch, pain, and temperature.
- Occipital Lobe: Processes and analyzes visual stimuli, recognizing and memorizing visual information.
Surgical Anatomy
- Limbic System: Involved in emotions, memory, and behavior.
- Brain Stem: Controls essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
- Cerebellum: Coordinates movement, balance, and posture.
Blood Supply of the Brain
- Main Arteries: The brain is supplied by the carotid and vertebral arteries.
- Two Brain Supply Systems: Anterior Circulation (carotid arteries) and Posterior Circulation (vertebral arteries).
- Circle of Willis: A critical arterial structure that connects the anterior and posterior circulations, providing alternative pathways for blood flow in case of an obstruction.
-
Case Examples:
- Patient 1: A 71-year-old man with sudden aphasia and lower limb weakness, suggestive of a stroke. Investigated with CT and MRI to identify the location and cause of the stroke, managed conservatively.
- Patient 2: A 37-year-old man with sudden right hemiparesis likely due to a stroke, diagnosed with CT/CT Angio and MRI. Treated surgically to alleviate pressure and improve blood flow.
- Patient 3: A 40-year-old man with right-sided paralysis and aphasia, treated within a therapeutic time window with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and digital subtraction angiography to identify the location of the blockage.
External Carotid Artery
- Supplies the face, neck, and scalp.
- Branches include: superior thyroid artery, lingual artery, facial artery, and internal maxillary artery.
Venus Drainage
- Venous drainage of brain is through dural sinuses:
- Superior sagittal sinus: Drains blood from superior portion of brain.
- Inferior sagittal sinus: Drains blood from inferior portion of brain.
- Straight sinus: Connects superior and inferior sagittal sinuses.
- Transverse sinus: Drains blood from lateral portion of brain.
- Sigmoid sinus: Continues from transverse sinus and drains into internal jugular vein.
Lobes of the Cerebrum
- Frontal Lobe: Contains the motor strip, responsible for voluntary movement.
- Broca's Area: Located in the left frontal lobe, controls expressive language.
- Temporal Lobe: Houses Wernicke's area, responsible for speech comprehension.
- Parietal Lobe: Processes somatic sensation, including touch, pain, and temperature.
- Occipital Lobe: Processes visual stimuli, analyzing, recognizing, and memorizing visual information.
Surgical Anatomy
- Limbic System: Responsible for emotions, memory, and motivation.
- Brain Stem: Controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
- Cerebellum: Coordinates movement, balance, and posture.
Blood Supply of the Brain
- Main Arteries: Carotid and vertebral arteries supply the brain.
- Two Brain Supply Systems: Anterior and posterior circulation systems.
- Circle of Willis: Fusion point of anterior and posterior circulation, ensuring constant blood flow to the brain.
Case Examples
- Case 1: A 71-year-old man experienced sudden aphasia and lower limb weakness. This could be caused by a stroke affecting areas like the middle cerebral artery.
- Case 2: A 37-year-old man had sudden right hemiparesis. CT scans and MRI were used to identify potential causes (like a stroke).
- Case 3: A 40-year-old man had right-sided paralysis and aphasia. CT angiography identified a blocked P2 segment of the left middle cerebral artery.
External Carotid Artery
- Areas of Supply: This artery supplies various areas of the head and face, not primarily the brain.
Venus Drainage
- Blood Drainage: The venous drainage system carries deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart.
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Test your knowledge on the embryology and anatomy of the thyroid gland. This quiz covers its development, structure, and arterial supply. Ideal for students studying human anatomy or endocrinology.