Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
What inhibits TRH and therefore TSH?
T4 and T3
What is Graves’ disease?
Autoimmune
Antibodies bind and stimulate the TSH receptor in the thyroid
Causing a smooth goitre and hyperthyroidism
What are common symptoms of Graves’ disease?
Exophthalmos
Pretibial myxoedema
What causes exophthalmos in people with Graves’ disease?
Antibodies binding to the muscles behind the eye
What is pretibial myxoedema?
The swelling (non-pitting) that occurs on the shins of patients with Graves' disease (growth of soft tissue) associated with hyperthyroidism NOT hypothyroidism
Describe the goitre caused by Graves’ disease.
Diffuse enlargement and engorgement of the thyroid gland
with uniform radioiodine uptake
What is the difference between Plummer’s disease and Graves’ disease?
Plummers is:
- not autoimmune
- no pretibial myxoedema
- no exophthalmos
- non-symmetrical and non-diffuse goitre
What is Plummer’s disease?
Characterised by:
- toxic nodular goitre
- benign adenoma (overactive) produces excess thyroxine
How does thyroxine impact the sympathetic nervous system?
It sensitises beta adrenoreceptors to the ambient levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline - causing apparent sympathetic activation.
How does the impact of thyroxine on the sympathetic nervous system present?
- tachycardia
- palpitations
- tremor in the hands
- lid lag
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
- weight loss (despite increased appetite)
- breathlessness
- palpitations
- tachycardia
- sweating
- heat intolerance
- diarrhoea
- lid lag (+ other sympathetic features)
What is a thyroid storm?
A medical emergency resulting in a 50% mortality if untreated
(aggressive treatment is required)
What are the characteristics of a thyroid strom?
- Hyperpyrexia (>41)
- accelerated tachycardia/arrhythmia
- cardiac failure
- delirium/frank psychosis
- hepatocellular dysfunction; jaundice
What are the possible treatments for hyperthyroidism?
- surgery (thyroidectomy)
- radioiodine
- drugs
What are the 4 classes of drugs involved in the treatment of hyperthyroidism?
Thionamides (thiourylenes; anti-thyroid drugs) - propylthiouracil (PTU) - carbimazole (CBZ) Potassium Iodide Radioiodine Beta-Blockers
What is the aim of thionamides, potassium iodide and radioiodine?
To reduce thyroid hormone synthesis
What is the aim of Beta-blockers?
To help with the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism
What are the 2 main hormones involves in thyroid hormone synthesis?
- Thyroperoxidase
- Peroxidase transaminase
What is the mechanism of action of thionamides?
The inhibition of thyroid peroxidase and therefore T3/4 synthesis and secretion