Hypothyroidism & Thyroiditis Flashcards
Primary hypothyroidism
It is caused by intrinsic dysfunction of the thyroid gland leading to hormone deficiency.
Definition of overt hypothyroidism
Elevated TSH above 10 mIU/L with free T4 below normal.
Definition of subclinical hypothyroidism
Modestly elevated TSH with free T4 in the low-normal range.
Most common cause of primary hypothyroidism
Autoimmune thyroiditis including Hashimoto’s and atrophic thyroiditis.
Iatrogenic causes of hypothyroidism
Radioiodine therapy subtotal or total thyroidectomy and neck irradiation.
Drugs that cause hypothyroidism
Amiodarone lithium iodine-containing contrast and antithyroid drugs.
Two types of transient hypothyroidism
Silent thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis.
Common causes of secondary hypothyroidism
Pituitary tumors surgery irradiation or infiltrative disorders.
Common causes of hypothalamic hypothyroidism
Tumors trauma infiltrative diseases or idiopathic causes.
Definition of autoimmune hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism caused by immune-mediated thyroid destruction.
Goitrous autoimmune hypothyroidism
Also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Atrophic thyroiditis
Late stage of autoimmune hypothyroidism with minimal residual thyroid tissue.
Subclinical autoimmune hypothyroidism
Normal T4 maintained by elevated TSH with minor symptoms.
Clinical or overt hypothyroidism
TSH >10 mU/L with decreased unbound T4 and apparent symptoms.
Histological features of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Lymphocytic infiltration germinal centers thyroid atrophy and fibrosis.
Histological difference in atrophic thyroiditis
More extensive fibrosis with fewer lymphocytes and absent thyroid follicles.
Genetic factors in autoimmune hypothyroidism
Increased risk in siblings and linkage with other autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases linked to hypothyroidism
Type 1 diabetes Addison’s disease pernicious anemia and vitiligo.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism
Fatigue cold intolerance dry skin and weight gain.
Neurological symptoms of hypothyroidism
Difficulty concentrating poor memory and impaired hearing.
Gastrointestinal symptoms of hypothyroidism
Constipation and poor appetite.
Respiratory symptoms of hypothyroidism
Dyspnea and hoarse voice.
Menstrual changes in hypothyroidism
Menorrhagia followed by oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea.
Common signs of hypothyroidism
Puffy face dry skin alopecia bradycardia and peripheral edema.
Neurological sign of hypothyroidism
Delayed tendon reflex relaxation.
Hand disorder associated with hypothyroidism
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Laboratory abnormalities in hypothyroidism
Anemia hyponatremia hypoglycemia and high cholesterol.
ECG finding in hypothyroidism
Sinus bradycardia with low voltage in limb leads.
Imaging finding in hypothyroidism
Pericardial effusion on chest X-ray and echocardiography.
Primary hypothyroidism diagnosis
Elevated TSH with low free T4.
Subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosis
Elevated TSH with normal free T4.
Central hypothyroidism diagnosis
Normal or low TSH with low free T4.
Treatment goal in hypothyroidism
Replace thyroid hormone while avoiding thyrotoxicosis.
Drug of choice for hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine sodium.
Levothyroxine dosage in adults
1.8 mcg/kg/day.
Levothyroxine dosage in elderly
1.0 mcg/kg/day due to reduced clearance.
Higher levothyroxine dose required in
Postsurgical or postablative hypothyroidism.
Definition of myxedema coma
Severe hypothyroidism with hypothermia bradycardia hypotension and altered mental status.
Risk factors for myxedema coma
Advanced age poor healthcare access and major organ diseases.
Immediate treatment for myxedema coma
IV thyroxine 50-100 mcg every 6-8 hours for 24 hours.
Supportive treatment in myxedema coma
Intensive care for hypoventilation and hypotension.
Additional hormone used in severe cases
Triiodothyronine in divided doses.
Adrenal support in myxedema coma
IV hydrocortisone 50 mg every 8 hours to prevent adrenal crisis.
Acute thyroiditis
It is caused by bacterial or fungal infections or radiation exposure.
Common bacterial causes of thyroiditis
Staphylococcus Streptococcus and Enterobacter.
Common fungal causes of thyroiditis
Aspergillus Candida Coccidioides Histoplasma and Pneumocystis.
Cause of radiation thyroiditis
131I treatment.
Subacute thyroiditis causes
Viral infections and silent thyroiditis including postpartum thyroiditis.
Chronic thyroiditis causes
Autoimmunity and parasitic infections.
Autoimmune causes of thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis atrophic thyroiditis and focal thyroiditis.
Parasitic causes of thyroiditis
Echinococcosis strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis.
Cause of transient thyrotoxicosis in subacute thyroiditis
Uncontrolled leakage of thyroid hormone.
Typical duration of thyrotoxicosis in subacute thyroiditis
2 to 8 weeks.
Outcome after thyrotoxicosis in subacute thyroiditis
Transient hypothyroidism followed by recovery.
Hallmark symptoms of subacute thyroiditis
Painful thyroid enlargement systemic inflammation and transient thyrotoxicosis.
Pain location in subacute thyroiditis
Thyroid throat ears or jaw.
Constitutional symptoms in subacute thyroiditis
Fever chills sweats and malaise.
Thyroid gland characteristics in subacute thyroiditis
Tender enlarged and woody hard.
Differential diagnoses for thyroid pain
Acute thyroiditis hemorrhage into a nodule and rapidly growing thyroid cancer.
Laboratory findings in subacute thyroiditis
Overt thyrotoxicosis with high T4 and elevated ESR.
First-line treatment for subacute thyroiditis pain
High-dose aspirin or naproxen sodium.
Second-line treatment for subacute thyroiditis
Glucocorticoids tapered over several weeks.
Treatment for transient thyrotoxicosis
Short-term β-blockers for 1 to 3 weeks.
Treatment for symptomatic hypothyroidism in subacute thyroiditis
Short-term thyroxine replacement.
Most common population affected by lymphocytic thyroiditis
Postpartum women.
Percentage of postpartum women affected by lymphocytic thyroiditis
Up to 6%.
Predisposing factors for lymphocytic thyroiditis
Prior postpartum thyroiditis type 1 diabetes and antithyroid antibodies.
Phases of lymphocytic thyroiditis
Transient thyrotoxicosis followed by transient or persistent hypothyroidism.
Typical duration of thyroid dysfunction in lymphocytic thyroiditis
2 to 8 weeks.
Management of lymphocytic thyroiditis
Observation and reassurance.
Symptomatic treatment for thyrotoxicosis in lymphocytic thyroiditis
Short-term β-blocker therapy.