Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
What is primary thyroid disease?
Disease affecting the thyroid gland itself
Is primary thyroid disease always associated with a goitre?
No
Primary thyroid disease is most likely due to what type of disease?
Autoimmune
What will the TSH and free T3/4 levels be in primary hyperthyroidism?
TSH- low
Free T3/4- high
What causes secondary thyroid disease?
Hypothalamic or pituitary disease
What will the TSH and free T3/4 levels be in secondary hyperthyroidism?
TSH- high or ‘normal’
Free T3/4- high
Define thyrotoxicosis?
The clinical, physiological and biochemical state which arises when the tissues are exposed to too much thyroid hormone
Define hyperthyroidism?
Refers to the conditions in which overactivity of the thyroid gland leads to thyrotoxicosis
What are examples of thyrotoxicosis which ARE associated with hyperthyroidism?
Grave’s disease, toxic multi nodular goitre
What are examples of thyrotoxicosis which ARE NOT associated with hyperthyroidism?
Inflammation, thyroid treatment, ectopic production
What effect does hyperthyroidism have on thermogenesis?
Heat intolerance
What cardiac features can hyperthyroidism have?
Palpitations (AF), cardiac failure
Hyperthyroidism increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, what 2 clinical symptoms does this cause?
Increased sweating and tremor
What CNS effects does hyperthyroidism cause?
Anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbance
What GI effect does hyperthyroidism cause?
Diarrhoea
What are some vision problems that hyperthyroidism causes?
Lid retraction, double vision
What visual problem is specific to Grave’s disease?
Proptosis
What hair and nail changes does hyperthyroidism cause?
- Thin, brittle hair
- Fast growing nails
What effect does hyperthyroidism have on the menstrual cycle and periods?
Change in pattern of menstrual cycle
Lighter and less frequent periods
What effect does hyperthyroidism have on the muscles? Where specifically?
Weakness- specifically in the thighs and upper arms
What effect does hyperthyroidism have on appetite and weight?
Increased appetite and weight loss
What type of disease is Grave’s?
Autoimmune
In Grave’s, there are polymorphisms in genes associated with what? What are some examples of these genes?
T cell function- CTLA-4 and PTPN- 22
85% of hyperthyroidism is due to what?
Grave’s disease
Which sex is affected more by Grave’s disease? How much more likely is this sex to suffer from the disease?
Women- 10 times more likely
What age group does Grave’s disease affect?
20-50
Sisters and children of women with Grave’s disease have what chance of getting a thyroid autoimmune condition?
5-8%
What social factor can make Grave’s disease more severe and harder to treat?
Smoking
What will thyroid function tests for Grave’s disease show?
Increased T3/4, decreased TSH