graves disease Flashcards
1
Q
define graves disease?
A
- it is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism
- Caused by the presence of TSH-receptor stimulating antibodies that lead to hyperthyroidism due to loss of negative feedback.
2
Q
what is the aetiology of graves disease?
A
• Caused by the presence of TSH-receptor stimulating antibodies
3
Q
what are the risk factors of graves disease?
A
o Family history o High iodine intake o Smoking o Trauma to the thyroid gland o Toxic multinodular goitre o HAART (antiretroviral drugs) o Childbirth
4
Q
epidemiology of graves disease?
A
- very common
- makes up 75% of cases
- seen in women between ages of 30-50
5
Q
what signs are specific to graves disease?
A
o Eye signs (exophthalmos or opthalmoplegia)
o Pretibial myxoedema
o Thyroid acropathy (digital clubbing, swelling of fingers, new bone formation)
6
Q
what are general symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
A
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Irritability
- Diarrhoea
- Sweating
- Tremor
- Anxiety
- Heat intolerance
- Loss of libido
- Oligomenorrhoea
7
Q
how does the goitre appear in graves?
A
• Smooth enlarged goitre
8
Q
how will the TFTs present in graves?
A
low TSH + high T3/T4
9
Q
which antibodies are present in graves?
A
o TSH receptor stimulating antibodies (90%)
o Anti-TPO antibodies (thyroid peroxidase) – (75%)
10
Q
how will a radioactive iodine uptake scan appear?
A
- enlarged
