Exam 4 - Thyroid/Parathyroid Flashcards
What is the best initial test of thyroid function?
TSH
What is used to evaluate abnormal TSH?
Free T4 level
What diagnostic study is used to assess structure of thyroid gland tissue and nodules?
Thyroid US
What diagnostic test is a functional study to evaluate suppressed TSH (hyperthyroidism)?
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Scan
What are some common signs/symptoms associated with hypothyroidism?
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Cold intolerance
- Bradycardia
Will TSH, FT4, and T3 be increased, decreased, or normal in Primary Hypothyroidism?
TSH: Elevated
FT4: Decreased
T3: Normal or Decreased
Will TSH, FT4, and T3 be increased, decreased, or normal in Subclinical Hypothyroidism?
TSH: Elevated
FT4: Normal
T3: Normal
Will TSH, FT4, and T3 be increased, decreased, or normal in Central Hypothyroidism?
TSH: Normal or Decreased
FT4: Normal or Decreased
T3: Normal or Decreased
Why is TSH increased in Primary Hypothyroidism?
Reflex effort to stimulate the failing thyroid gland which is represented by the low serum FT4
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
What is an autoimmune-related destruction of the thyroid gland?
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
What is Hashitoxicosis?
Early inflammation of the thyroid which may cause transient hyperthyroidism
What antibodies are associated with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
- TPO
- TgAb
What is the management of hypothyroidism?
How is this medication dosed and what are some important considerations to think about?
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl)
Weight based dose at 1.6 mcg/kg/day
Older adults (> 60 y/o) and those with cardiac concerns receive lower dose initially.
Take on empty stomach, one hour before breakfast and avoid taking concurrently with meds that can interfere with its absorption (ferrous sulfate, calcium carbones, proton pump inhibitors, bile acid resins).
How is hypothyroidism treatment monitored?
When should you start to see improvement after starting treatment?
Expect symptomatic improvement within 2-4 weeks
Repeat TSH in 6 weeks and titrate med as appropriate
Once stable, a yearly TSH is appropriate unless patient status changes
How is Subclinical Hypothyroidism diagnosed? What are some exceptions?
Repeat TSH and T4 after 1-3 months to confirm diagnosis.
Repeat immediately if pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.
With Subclinical Hypothyroidism, when is treatment recommended versus controversial?
Recommended: TSH of 10 or greater
Controversial: TSH of 4.5 - 9.9
What is Myxedema Coma?
Severe, life-threatening form of hypothyroidism which can be induced by stroke, heart failure, infection, or trauma.
What is the treatment for Myxedema Coma?
IV thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)
What are some common symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism?
- Exophthalmos, lid lag
- Weight loss despite good appetite
- Heat intolerance
- Palpitations/tachycardia
- Anxiety
- Tremor
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
Will TSH, FT4, and T3 be increased, decreased, or normal in Primary Hyperthyroidism?
TSH: Decreased
FT4: Elevated
T3: Elevated
Will TSH, FT4, and T3 be increased, decreased, or normal in Subclinical Hyperthyroidism?
TSH: Decreased
FT4: Normal
T3: Normal
Will TSH, FT4, and T3 be increased, decreased, or normal in T3 Toxicosis (early stage of Grave’s Disease)?
TSH: Decreased
FT4: Normal
T3: Elevated
What is Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAUI) Scan used for?
Used to determine the etiology of hyperthyroidism
If there is diffuse elevated uptake on RAUI, what does this indicate is the cause of the hyperthyroidism?
Graves Disease