Endocrinology Flashcards
Describe the thyroid axis.
Hypothalamus releases TRH
Pituitary releases TSH
Thyroid releases T4 mostly and some T3 (T4 is converted to T3 peripherally)
Name 4 functions of thyroid hormone.
Increase heart rate and cardiac output
Increases gut motility
Increase hepatic glucose output
Increase lipolysis
What is the epidemiology of hyperthyroidism?
Much more common in femaes
List the causes of hyperthyroidism
Graves’ Disease - 2/3 of cases
Toxic multinodular goitre
Solitary toxic adenoma
Drug induced - ie. amiodarone or lithium
Describe the pathophysiology of Graves’ Disease
Autoimmune condition. Increase in TSH stimulating antibody which mimics TSH to stimulate thyroid hormone release from the thyroid.
List the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Diarrhoea Weight loss Increased appetite Sweats Heat intolerance Palpitations Tremor Anxiety Menstrual disturbance - slow or no periods.
List the signs of hyperthyroidism
Tachycardia Thin hair Goitre Fine tremor Lid lag
What is the specific sign of Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ ophthalmology - swelling of the extra-ocular muscles causes pain and lid retraction.
What are the investigations for suspected hyperthyroidism?
Thyroid function tests - T3, T4 and TSH
Thyroid autoantibodies - TSH receptor stimulating antibodies in Graves’
Iodine uptake scan
What are the results of thyroid function tests in primary hyperthyroidism (problem with the thyroid itself ie. toxic multinodular goitre)
Low TSH, raised T3/T4
What are the results of thyroid function tests in secondary hyperthyroidism (problem with the pituitary ie. pitutary adenoma)
High TSH, raised T3/T4
What are the treatment options for hyperthyroidism?
Block and replace - Carbimazole (anti-thyroid drug), thyroxine (to replace the thyroid hormone)
Radioiodine
Thyroidectomy
What is the treatment for a thyroid storm?
Beta blockers ie. propanolol
What are the complications of hyperthyroidism?
Heart failure Angina Atrial Fibrillation Ophthalmology Thyroid storm
What is the epidemiology of hypothyroidism?
Much more common in women.
What are the causes of hypothyroidism?
Primary atrophic hypothyroidism (autoimmune)
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune - causes goitre)
Iodine deficiency - biggest worldwide cause
Drug induced - amiodarone, lithium
Treatment of hyperthyroidism
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Constipation Intolerance to cold Weight gain Tired Menstrual disturbance - heavy periods
What are the signs of hypothyroidism?
Bradycardia Cold hands Ascites Goitre Round puffy face
What is the mainstay of investigation for hypothyroidism?
Thyroid function tests
What are the results of thyroid function tests for primary hypothyroidism (problem with the thyroid - ie. Hashimoto’s)
High TSH, Low T3/T4
What are the results of thyroid function tests for secondary hypothyroidism (problem with the pituitary)
Low TSH, low T3/T4
What is the treatment of hypothyroidism?
Give levothyroxine
What is a drug that can interfere with thyroid function?
Amiodarone - iodine rich drug.
What stimulates parathyroid hormone release?
Decrease circulating calcium.