Hyperthyroidism + Graves Flashcards
Definition of hyperthyroidism
common endocrine condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland causing an excess of thyroid hormone and thyroxtoxicosis
What is thyrotoxicosis
refers to an excess of thyroid hormone, having an overactive thyroid gland is not a prerequisite (e.g.consumption of thyroid hormone).
Epidemiology of hyperthyroidism
- The overall prevalence of hyperthyroidism is approximately 1.3% and increases to 4-5% in older women
- Affects 2-5% of all women at some time
- Mainly between 20-40yrs
Aetiology of hyperthyroidism
Primary:
Graves
Toxic multinodular goitre
Toxic adenoma
Subclinical hyperthyroidism
Thyroiditis
Secondary:
Pituitary adenoma
ectopic tumour
hypothalamic tumour
RF Hyperthyroidism
- Family history
- Auto-immune disease e.g. vitiligo, type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease
Primary hyperthyroidism pathophysiology
involves an excessive production of T3/T4 by the thyroid gland due to pathology affecting the thyroid gland itself.
Increased metabolic rate and sympathetic NS activation
More common subtype
Secondary hyperthyroidism
occurs due to excessive stimulation of the thyroid gland by TSH, secondary to pituitary or hypothalamic pathology, or from an ectopic source such as a TSH-secreting tumour.
Rarer
Key presentation pneumonic
THYROIDISM
Thyroidism pneumonic for key presentation
tremor, heart rate increase, yawning, restless, oligomenorrhoea, irritability, diarrhoea, intolerance to heat, sweating, muscle wasting (weight loss).
Signs of Hyperthyroidism
- Postural Tremor
- Palmar erythema
- Hyperreflexia
- Sinus tachycardia/ arrhythmia
- Goitre
- Lid lag and retraction
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Reduced libido
- Heat intolerance
- Palpitations
- Menstrual irregularity
1st line investigation for Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid function tests
Graves : Low TSH High T4
Subclinical hyperthyroidism: Low TSH normal T4
Secondary hyperthyroidism: High TSH High T4
Other investigations for hyperthyroidism
Antibodies;
Anti TSH receptors 95% common in graves
Anti TPO
Anti thyroglobulin
1st line therapy for hyperthyroidism
- Beta blocker e.g. propranolol for symptomatic relief
- Anti-thyroid medication: preferred in mild disease - 1st line is carbimazole
Radiodine treatment
first line treatment in more than mild Graves’ or toxic multinodular goitre
Contraindicated inpregnancy, age < 16 years old, when breastfeeding or those with established eye disease as can make eye symptoms worse