Clinical Thyroid Disease Flashcards
What are some examples of thyroid diseases?
Hypothyroidism
Goitre
Thyroid cancer
Hyperthyroidism
Give a summary of the hormones involved with the thyroid gland?
What is the clinical manifestation of hypothyroidism?
What is the clinical presentation of hyperthyroidism?
Compare and contrast the clinical presentation of hyper and hypothyroidism?
What are the different classifications of hypothyroidism?
- Primary (thyroid)
- Raised TSH, low FT4 and low FT3
- Subclinical (compensated)
- Raised TSH, normal FT4 and FT3
- Secondary (pituitary)
- Low TSH, low FT4 and FT3
Where is the pathology that causes primary hypothyroidism?
Thyroid gland
Where is the pathology that causes secondary hypothyroidism?
Pituitary gland
What TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels are seen in primary hypothyroidism?
Raised TSH
Low FT3
Low FT4
What TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels are seen in subclinical hypothyroidism?
Raised TSH
Normal FT3
Normal FT4
What TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels are seen in secondary hypothyroidism?
Low TSH
Low FT3
Low FT4
What are the 2 most common endocrine conditions?
1) Diabetes
2) Hypothyroidism
Does hypothyroidism affect men and woman equally?
No, affects more woman
What are some causes of primary hypothyroidism?
Congenital
- developmental: agenesis, maldevelopment
- dyshormonogenesis: trapping, organification
Acquired
- autoimmune thyroid disease: hashimotos, atrophic
- iatrogenic:
- postoperative/post-radioactive iodine
- external RT for head and neck cancers
- antithyroid drugs (such as Lithium)
- chronic iodine deficiency
- post-subacute thyroiditis
- post-partum thyroiditis
Are babies screened for hypothyroidism?
Yes, all babies are
What is the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism?
1/3500
What are some causes of secondary hypothyroidism?
- Pituitary/hypothalamic damage
- Pituitary tumour
- Craniopharyngioma
- Post pituitary surgery or radiotherapy
How does hormone secretion change in hypothyroidism?
What investigations are done for hypothyroidism?
- TSH/fT4
- autoantibodies
- TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies)
- FBC (MCV raised)
- lipids (hypercholesterolaemia)
- hyponatremia due to SIADH
- increased muscle enzymes (ALT, CK)
- hyperprolactinaemia
What autoantibody is investigated in hypothyroidism?
TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies)
What does TPO stand for?
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies
What is used for the treatment of hypothyroidism?
- Levothyroxine (T4) tablets
- Liothyronine (T3) tablets
- Combination of T3 and T4 has no benefit from studies
- After stabilisation, annual testing of TSH
What is the first line treatment for hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine tablets (T4)
What is the initial dose of levothyroxine for hypothyroidism?
1.6mcg/kg
How does ischaemic heart disease impact the initial treatment for hypothyroidism?
Lower dose of levothyroxine used (25mcg) and increased cautiously
When should treatment be given for subclinical hypothyroidism?
- if TSH > 10
- or TSH > 5 with symptoms: therapy should be trialled for 6 months