Hyperthyroidism

Question 1

Thyrotoxicosis

Answer 1

A term used for the biological effects of excess thyroid hormone

Question 2

Characteristics of hyperthyroidism

Answer 2

Increased levels of circulating thyroid hormones
Increased basal metabolic rate by increasing synthesis of Na/K ATPase, increased sympathetic nervous system activity due to increase in expression of beta1 adrenergic receptors

Question 3

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Answer 3

Weight loss, heat intolerance, tachycardia, arrhythmia, tremors, diarrhea, bone reabsorption, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, exophthalmus and pretibial myxedema

Question 4

Grave’s disease

Answer 4

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
Signs of Grave’s: exophthalmus - occurs due to autoimmune response where the autoantibodies also attacks the retroorbital space, pretibial myxedema, clubbing of fingers.

Question 5

Toxic multinodular goiter (Plummer disease)

Answer 5

Occurs in the elderly and in those which are iodindeficient. The nodules secrete thyroid hormones.

Question 6

Toxic adenoma

Answer 6

A solitary nodule which produces T3 and T4 while the rest of the gland is suppressed. Can be removed by radiotherapy.

Question 7

Hyperthyroxinemia

Answer 7

Can happen due to Thyroiditis or due to pituitary hyperfunction

Question 8

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

Answer 8

Administration of TSH. The T3 and T4 levels should decrease. The hormones will increase in the case of normal function of the gland. If the hormone levels decrease, it is proof that there is a primary glandular problem.

Question 9

Treatment of hyperthyroidism

Answer 9

Beta-blockers, thioamide and carbimazole. Potentially also a thyroidectomy

Question 10

Complications

Answer 10

Thyroid-storm, elevated catecholamines, and massive hormone excess. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy (HF), angina, osteoporosis