Hypothyroidism Flashcards
Thyroid hormones
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH
Free T4
Free T3
Thyroid stimulating hormone
Released by thyrotroph cells in anterior pituitary in response to thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH)
Reflect tissue thyroid hormone action
Plasma Proteins
~99% of T3 and T4 bound to plasma proteins
- TBG
- Albumin
- Pre-albumin
Primary Hypothyroidism- axis
Free T3/T4 low
TSH high
Secondary Hypothyroidism - axis
Free T3/ T4 low TSH low (or 'normal')
hypothyroidism
results from any disorder that results in insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones from thyroid gland
Myxoedema
Severe hypothyroidism and medical. emergency
Primary hypothyroidism aetiology
Goitrous
- Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s)
- Iodine deficiency
- Drug-induced
- Maternally transmitted
- Hereditary biosynthetic defects
Non-goitrous
- Atrophic thyroiditis
- Post ablative therapy
- post radiotherapy
- Congenital developmental defect
Self Limiting
- Following withdrawal of antithyroid drugs
- Subacute thyroiditis with transient hypothyroidism
- Post-partum thyroiditis
Secondary Hypothyroidism: Aetiology
Diseases of hypothalamus and pituitary. gland
Autoimmune Hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s THyoriditis
Most common cause of hypothyroidism in western world
Hashimotos Thyroiditis Pathophysiology
Autoimmune destruction of thyroid gland and reduced thyroid hormone production
often family history of autoimmune thyroiditis or other autoimmune disorders
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Characterisation
Antibodies against thyroid peroxidase
T-cell infiltrate and inflammation microscopically
Hypothyroidism Clinical Features:
Hair and Skin
Coarser, sparse hair Dull, expressionless face Periorbital puffiness Pale cool skin- doughy to touch Vitiligo may be present Hypercarotenaemia
Hypothyroidism Clinical Features: Thermogenesis
Fluid retention
Thermogenesis
- Cold intolerance
Fluid retention
- Pitting Oedema
Hypothyroidism Clinical Features:
Cardiac
Reduced HR
Cardiac dilatation
pericardial effusion
Worsening of heart failure