Learning Objectives Flashcards

Question 1

Q

Give an outline of how the hypothalamus and thyroid combine to secrete T3 and T4 hormones

Question 2

Q

What do T3 and T4 actually do?

Question 3

Q

Question 4

Q

What are the common clinical features of Hyperthyroidism?

Question 5

Q

What are the clinical features of Hypothyroidism?

Question 6

Q

What is Thyrotoxicosis? And how is it different from Hyper thyroidism?

Question 7

Q

What is the pathophysiology of Graves Disease?

Answer

A

Graves disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by hyperthyroidism due to circulating autoantibodies.

Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs) bind to and activate thyrotropin receptors

This causes the thyroid gland to grow and the thyroid follicles to increase synthesis of thyroid hormone.

Question 8

Q

What the clinical features of Graves disease?

Question 9

Q

What are the other 3 most common causes of Hyperthyroidism apart from Graves?

Answer

A

Notes:

Toxic Multinodular Goitre

A toxic nodular goiter (TNG) is a thyroid gland that contains autonomously functioning thyroid nodules, with resulting hyperthyroidism.

De Quervain’s Thyroiditis

Causes damage to thyroid follicular cells, resulting in no new thyroid hormone production and excessive release of large amounts of triiodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine(T4).

HYPERTHYROIDISM CAN ALSO BE CAUSED BY A TSH-SECRETING PITUITARY ADENOMA

Rare
Secondary Hyperthyroidism

These excess hormones contribute to clinical and biochemical hyperthyroidism and inhibition of TSH (negative feedback).

With the release of the stored thyroid hormone and the absence of new thyroid hormone production, the phase of hyperthyroidism can last only for 2 to 8 weeks. During this early inflammatory state, the thyroid gland is mildly enlarged and is tender to palpate.

After the inflammation is subsided, new thyroid follicular cells are generated and resume thyroid hormone synthesis.

The patient then goes through a short phase of euthyroidism and hypothyroid before returning to normal thyroid function.

Question 10

Q

What is a thyroid storm?

Answer

A

Clinical Signs are generally an enhanced version of the normal hyperthyroid symptoms

Pyrexia
Tachycardia
Delirium
Arrhythmias
High-Output Cardiac Failure
Seizures/Coma

Question 11

Q

What are the 4 main causes of Hypothyroidism?

Question 12

Q

Give an outline of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Question 13

Q

What does Iatrogenic mean?

Answer

A

Relating to illness caused by medical examination or treatment.

Question 14

Q

What are the other 3 most common causes of Hyperthyroidism apart from Graves?

Answer

A

NOTE: De Quervain’s can also cause Hypothyroidism after the initial Hyperthyroid phase, sometimes just the hypo phase occurs

Question 15

Q

What is the bRADYCARDIC acronym for hypothyroidism symptoms?

Question 16

Q

What is a Myxoedema Coma?

Question 17

Q

How do you interpret TFTs in terms of determining if it’s Primary/Secondary Hyper/Hypo Thyroidism?

Answer

A

Opposite Directions: Primary

Same Direction: Secondary

NOTE:

Subclinical = Relating to or denoting a disease which is not severe enough to present definite or readily observable symptoms.

Question 18

Q

Which two antibody tests are common to order for thyroid disease, and which conditions does each suggest?

Question 19

Q

Why can the use of ultrasound be useful in diagnosis certain thyroid conditions?

Question 20

Q

What are isotope scans used for?

Question 21

Q

What is the main difference between Adenoma and Carcinoma?

Answer

A

Adenoma and Carcinoma are two terms which are often used in the field of Oncology, and they share several similar features, especially in the aspects of basic diagnostic methods and treatment types. The main difference between adenoma and carcinoma is that Adenomas develop in glands which secrete fluids such as sweat, saliva and breast milk whereas Carcinoma originates in the epithelial tissue.