Thyroid Flashcards
What test best assesses thyroid function
TSH
What will happen to TSH in primary/secondary hyperthyroidism and primary/secondary hypothyroidism
Primary hyperT->TSH low, negative feedB
Secondary hyperT->+TSH= +T3/T4
Primary hyperT: +TSH->less negative feedB
Secondary hypoT: TSH low/normal with variabl response to TRH depending on site of lesion
When should free T3 be measured and why
If TSH suppressed and free T4 normal to rule out T3 toxicosis
When are thyroglobulin antibodies, TPO antibodies and TSH receptor inhibiting antibodies found
Hashimotos
When are Thyroid stimulating antibodies positive
Grave’s
What is the role of plasma thyroglobulin monitoring
Used to monitor residual thyroid activity post thyroidectomy
Normal/elevated suggest persistent, recurrent or metastatic disease
When might calcitonin be measured
If suspect medullar carcinoma / Men 2a or 2b symptoms
What is the role of thyroid USS
Size
Cystic vs solid nodule
FNAB
When is technitium scan done
Test of structure-> if nodule and hyperthyroid with low TSH
Differentiates between hot and cold nodules
When is radioactive iodine used
Test of function->order if thyrotoxic
Turnover of iodine
+uptake= overactive
-ve uptake->gland is leaking, exogenous hormone use, excess iodine (amiodarone/contrast dye)
When is FNA done
Differentiates between benign and malignant
When is RAIU increased
Graves
TMG
Toxic adenoma
When is RAIU decreased
Subacute thyroiditis
Recent iodine load
Exogenous iodine hormone
Define thyrotoxicosis
Clinical, physiological and biochemical findings in response to elevate thyroid hormone
Etiology of thyrotoxicosis
Hyperthyroidism:
Graves
MNG
Toxic adenoma
Thyroiditis:
Subacute
Silent
Postpartum
Extrathyroidal:
Endogenous->struma ovarii, teratoma, metastatic follicular
Exogenous
Excessive thyroid stimulation:
Pituitary thyrotroph
Pituitary thyroid hormone receptor resistance
+hCG (pregnancy, -ve TSH, +T4)
Drugs: Amiodarone Lithium Phenytoin Carbamazepine Rifampin
Clinical features of thyrotoxicosis
General: fatigue, heat intolerance, irritability, fine tremor
CVS: Tachy, AF, palpitations
GI: weight loss, diarrhea, +appetite, thirst, +frequency
Neurology: proximal myopathy, hypokalemic periodic paralysis
GU: oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, decreased fertility
Dermatology: fine hair, moist, vitiligo, soft nails with onycholysis, palmar erythema. Acropachy and pretibial myxedema in Grave’s
MSK: decreased bone mass, muscle weak
Hematology: Graves->leukopenia, lymphocytosis, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy
Eye: Graves->lid lar, retraction, proptosis, diplopia, decreased acuity, puffy, conjunctival injection
Overview management for thyrotoxicosis
Propylthiouracil/Carbimazole Propranolol Radioiodine Thyroidectomy Get help in pregnancy and infancy
Triad of Grave’s
Hyperthyroidism
Infiltrative opthalmopathy
Pretibial myxedema
Pathogenesis of Graves->pituitary, heart, liver, bone, genital, metabolic, white fat, CNS, muscle
Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSI)->triggering->mimics TSH->+growth of thyroid gland
Pituitary->-ve expression of thyrotropic= Suppressed TSH
Heart->+ANP=+rate/contractility
Liver->+T1deiodinase, LDL receptors= +peripheral T3, -ve LDL
Bone->+psteocalcin, +ALP= +bone turnover
Genital->+SHBG, -ve testosterone, estrogen antagonism=-ve libido/erection, irregular menses
Metabolic->+FA oxidation, +Na/K ATPase= +thermogenesis
MSK->+SRCa2+ activated ATPase= proximal myopathy
Key factors in Grave’s
Risk factors Heat intolerance Sweating Weight loss Papitations Tremor TachyC Diffuse goitre Opthalmopathy
Investigations in Grave’s disease
TSH (suppressed) Free T4 (+, not in T3 toxicosis/subclinical) Free T3 T3RU, Free T4 index FBC (normocytic normochromic) UEC, Ca+ LFT+ Thyroid autoantibodies If opthalmopathy->visual acuity testing, eye movements
May consider: RAIU, TIS, T U/S (highly vascular, diffuse, enlarged)
Triggering events in Grave’s
Stress
Infection
Childbirth
What autoimmune conditions are associated with Grave’s
Vitiligo, T1DM, Addisons
What is the typical age of Grave’s patient
40-60 years
Initial management of Grave’s/hyperthyroidism
Carbimazole
Propranolol (usually only until rendered euthyroid)
DIltiazem (when CI to beta blockers)
When is dosing reassessed
Every 3-6 weeks
Is dosing initially based on TSH, or T3/T4 and why
TSH can be suppressed for months after hyperthyroidism is corrected
When is the maximum chance of remission for Grave’s
After 12-18 months of antithyroid medication
What are the options for subsequent therapy for hyperT
Continued antiT
Withdrawal
RI treatment
Thyroidectomy
When is surgery considered
Tracheal pbstruction/narrowing
Dysphagia
Stridor
Cosmetic
Preferred management in older people with large goitre
Antithyroid then RI
F/u after remission of hyperthyroidism
clinical and biochemical follow-up is at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months, then annually thereafter. The patient should be instructed to have prompt testing if any symptoms of recurrent hyperthyroidism develop.
Management of thyrotoxic storm
ABC 2 large bore cannula IVF NGT if vomiting Bloods for T3, T4, STH, cultures (if suspect infections) Monitor BP Sedate if necessary Propylthiouracil Lugol's solution Dexamethasone Propranolol Adjust fluids, cool with tepid sponging, paracetamol Get endocrinologist involved
Treatment of thyrotoxic storm overview
- Couteract peripheral effects
- Inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis
- Treat systemic complications
Block hormone synthesis and release
Decrease conversion of T4 to T3
Control tachyC and rate dependent HF
Restore hydration
Give sedation if necessary
S&S thyrotoxic storm
Severe hyperT \+Temperature Agitation Confusion Coma TachY AF, DV, goitre thyroid bruit Acute abdomen HF Cardiovascular collapse
Precipitants of thyrotoxic storm
Recent thyroid surgery, radioiodine, infection, MI, trauma
Investigations in thyrotoxic storm
TSH, T4, T3, cultures, cardiac enzymes
What is the effect of stable iodide (Lugols, potassium iodide)
Acutely inhibits iodide release from thyroid in Grave’s