ENDOCRINOLOGY by Dr Cinitia Flashcards
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto Thyroiditis) CLINICAL FEATURES
Bilateral, firm, rubbery goitre
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto Thyroiditis) FIRST INVESTIGATION (3):
- TSH
- US If nodule
- CT Scan if goitre is causing compression
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto Thyroiditis) BEST INVESTIGATION (3):
1.Antithyroglobulin (TgAb)
2.Antithyroid peroxidase Ab (TPO)
3.Biopsy: Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto Thyroiditis) TREATMENT
- Tx if TSH>7.
Monitor tx at 3m, 6m, 1y. You start with low dose and you increase it progressively.
Myxedema coma CLINICAL FEATURES
Hypotension, hypoventilation, hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia
Myxedema coma TREATMENT
IV Levothyroxine + IV hydrocortisone
Congenital hypothyroidism CLINICAL FEATURES
Macroglossia, harsh cry, dry skin, umbilical hernia
Congenital hypothyroidism FIRST INVESTIGATION
Neonatal Heel prick TSH is (NEXT) if hypotonic kid with large open ant fontanelle
Congenital hypothyroidism TREATMENT
Start thyroxine before 2 weeks of age
Subclinical hypothyroidism CLINICAL FEATURES
High TSH and normal T3, T4
Subclinical hypothyroidism FIRST INVESTIGATION
TSH
Subclinical hypothyroidism TREATMENT
- TSH 5-10: Review TSH in 3 months
- TSH>10: Levothyroxine
Sick Euthyroid Syndrome CLINICAL FEATURES
Decrease conversion from T4 to T3 so T3 will be low and T4, TSH, and reverse T3 could be normal or even high
Hyperthyroidism CLINICAL FEATURES
Fine tremor, proximal myopathy, frozen shoulder
Hyperthyroidism FIRST INVESTIGATION
- TSH
- Radioactive iodine uptake: -
Low uptake: Thyroiditis -
High uptake:
Homogeneous (Graves), heterogenous (multiple- toxic multinodular goitre, single area-toxic adenoma)
Hyperthyroidism TREATMENT (4)
1.Carbimazole (Agranulocytosis)
2.Propylthiouracil (Risk of liver dx)
3.Surgery
4.Radioactive iodine (If CIs to surgery)
Graves Disease FIRST INVESTIGATION
TSH
Graves Disease BEST INVESTIGATION
TSH receptor antibody, anti- TPO
Graves Disease TREATMENT
The management of Graves’ disease according to RACGP guidelines involves three primary treatments:
-
Antithyroid Medications:
- Drugs: Carbimazole (preferred) and Propylthiouracil (PTU).
- Duration: 12-18 months.
- Side Effects: Rash, gastrointestinal discomfort, agranulocytosis, hepatotoxicity.
-
Radioactive Iodine Therapy:
- Procedure: Oral administration of I-131.
- Advantages: Permanent resolution of hyperthyroidism.
- Disadvantages: Permanent hypothyroidism, potential exacerbation of Graves’ orbitopathy, concerns about fertility and small increased risk of malignancy.
-
Thyroidectomy:
- Indications: Severe Graves’ orbitopathy, large goitres, rapid control needed.
- Advantages: Permanent resolution, may improve orbitopathy.
- Risks: Surgical risks including hypoparathyroidism and nerve injury.
Symptomatic Treatment: Beta-blockers for initial symptom control.
These options should be discussed with patients to tailor treatment based on individual preferences and clinical features oai_citation:1,RACGP - Thyroid disease Long term management of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism oai_citation:2,RACGP - Evaluating and managing patients with thyrotoxicosis oai_citation:3,RACGP - Hyperthyroidism in a hypothyroid patient.
Same than above + Tx of vision threatened:
1. IV Methylprednisolone
2. Oral high dose prednisolone
Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy TREATMENT
- Propylthiouracil in 1st trimester
- Carbimazole in 2nd/3rd trimester
Subacute thyroiditis (De Quervains) CLINICAL FEATURES
Pain/Tenderness, fever
Subacute thyroiditis (De Quervains) FIRST INVESTIGATION
- TSH
Subacute thyroiditis (De Quervains) BEST INVESTIGATION
- ESR>50mm/Hr
The best investigation for subacute thyroiditis (De Quervain’s thyroiditis) as per the RACGP guidelines is the measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Elevated levels of these markers indicate inflammation, which is characteristic of subacute thyroiditis. Additionally, thyroid function tests typically show suppressed TSH levels with elevated free T4 and free T3 during the hyperthyroid phase, and reduced or absent uptake on a radionuclide thyroid scan supports the diagnosis.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the RACGP article on managing thyrotoxicosis here oai_citation:1,RACGP - Evaluating and managing patients with thyrotoxicosis oai_citation:2,RACGP - Thyroid disease Long term management of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Subacute thyroiditis (De Quervains) TREATMENT
- Analgesia: NSAIDs
- Severe: Oral prednisolone.
- If constitutional symptoms: BB
NOT antithyroid medication
Thyroid Storm CLINICAL FEATURES
Anxiety, weight loss, hyperpyrexia, tachycardia
Thyroid Storm TREATMENT
Hospital admission: IV saline, IV steroids
Thyroid Nodule CLINICAL FEATURES
Moves with swallowing, can cause compression.
Thyroid Nodule FIRST INVESTIGATION
- TSH -TSH Normal or
High: Next: US. Next: FNA -TSH
Low: Next T3 & T4. Next: Radioisotope scan and US. If cold nodule: FNA
Thyroid Nodule BEST INVESTIGATION
- FNAC
Retrosternal Goitre CLINICAL FEATURES
Compression
Retrosternal Goitre FIRST INVESTIGATION
- X-ray
Retrosternal goitre refers to an enlarged thyroid gland that extends into the chest cavity behind the sternum. Using an X-ray as the first investigation is recommended for several reasons:
-
Initial Assessment of Size and Position:
- Overview of Goitre: An X-ray provides a quick and initial assessment of the size and position of the goitre. This helps in understanding how much of the thyroid has extended into the chest cavity.
- Tracheal Deviation or Compression: X-rays can show if the goitre is causing any displacement or compression of the trachea, which is critical for assessing potential breathing issues.
-
Accessibility and Simplicity:
- Widely Available: X-rays are widely available in most medical settings and can be performed quickly, making them an accessible first step in investigation.
- Non-Invasive: The procedure is non-invasive, straightforward, and doesn’t require special preparation, making it easy to perform on most patients.
-
Guidance for Further Imaging:
- Determining Need for Advanced Imaging: Based on X-ray results, clinicians can determine if further imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs are necessary. These advanced imaging techniques are more detailed but also more resource-intensive and less readily available.
-
Identifying Complications:
- Secondary Findings: An X-ray can also help identify other potential issues, such as the presence of calcifications within the goitre or signs of compression of nearby structures, guiding the urgency and nature of subsequent investigations.
Using an X-ray as the first investigation for retrosternal goitre is recommended due to its ability to provide an initial overview of the goitre’s size, position, and effect on surrounding structures. It is a widely available, non-invasive, and simple tool that helps guide further diagnostic steps if needed.
For more detailed guidelines, you can refer to the RACGP website:
- RACGP - Goitre
Retrosternal Goitre BEST INVESTIGATION
CT of neck and upper chest
Retrosternal Goitre TREATMENT
Total thyroidectomy
Thyroid Cancer CLINICAL FEATURES (4)
-Hoarseness
-Psammoma bodies: PapillaryThyroid Ca
-Follicular cells: always do excisional biopsy bc it’s hard to diff between non and carcinoma. - Parafollicular C cells (secrete calcitonin): Medullary thyroid Ca. MEN2.
-Rapidly growing: Anaplastic
Thyroid Cancer FIRST INVESTIGATION
- TFT
Thyroid Cancer BEST INVESTIGATION
- FNAB