Thyroid Flashcards
1. Define the following terms: Goiter, Euthyroid, Thyrotoxicosis, Thyroiditis 2. Define the following diseases/disorders to include the pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors (if any), clinical presentation, physical findings, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnoses, and management plan: Hypothyroidism, including euthyroid sick syndrome and myxedema crisis; Thyroiditis, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, postpartum thyroiditis, subacute (DeQuervain) thyroiditis, and suppurative thyr
This organ rising when swallowing. Roughly 4 cm long; each lobe 2cm wide.
Thyroid
Active form of thyroid hormone
T3
Storage form of thyroid hormone; and lives longer than the active form
T4
Majority of T3 and T4 in the body is bound to what two proteins?
Thyroid Binding Globulin and Albumin
Ratio of T3 to T4 in the body (T3:T4)
1:40
T3 or T4 is more potent?
T3
Half life of T3
1 day
Half life of T4
1 week
What exogenous item is necessary for ideal thyroid function?
Iodine
Where do we get iodine?
Diet and fortified salt
How much iodine do we intake on average?
500 mcg
What’s the least amount of iodine we should intake per day?
150 mcg
Excess iodine can lead to?
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Hypothyroidism as a result of autoimmune disease
- Thyroid nodule development!
What hormone(s) from the hypothalamus controls release of thyroid hormone?
TRH (Thyroid Releasing Hormone)
What hormone(s) from the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) controls release of thyroid hormone?
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
What hormone(s) from the Thyroid controls release of thyroid hormone?
Thyroxine (T4)
Tri-iodo-thyro-ine (T3)
Describe the positive feedback of Thyroid Hormone Secretion.
Tea Time PTL:
TRH from hypothalamus to the PG stimulating release of TSH which goes to the thyroid stimulating the release of TH
Describe the negative feedback of Thyroid Hormone Secretion
TH in excess can cause inhibitory affects at the hypothalamus or PG to reduce TRH or TSH secretion, respectively.
What happens when you have iodine deficiency?
Goiter
How does iodine deficiency lead to Goiter?
Low iodine –> T3/T4 not synthesized
When TH is LOW, TRH secretion is increased by the Hypothalamus, which leads to an increase in TSH by the PG which stimulates Thyroid to create TH. TH accumulates because the precursors to create T3 and T4 are not there, causing an enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Primary causes of Hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune (most common)
- Iatrogenic (medically induced)
- Drug induced
- Congenital
Secondary causes of Hypothyroidism
Loss of signaling from PG (aka Central Hypothyroidism)
Physical Exam Findings of Hypothyroidism
Dry, brittle hair with hair loss
Edema of face and eye lids
Thick, heavy tongue with slow speech and coarse voice
Decreased perspiration
Bradycardia (slow HR)
Weight gain (decreased metabolism)
Skin is pale, dry, cold and has rough texture
Lethargic, poor memory, slower, expressionless
Menorrhagia (Changes in menstruation; commonly prolonged and heavy)
Cold intolerance
Delayed deep tendon reflexes
Why do we see these physical exam findings in hypothyroidism?
Because TH stimulates everything in the body, so where there isn’t enough everything SLOWS!
What is the effect of T3/T4 on the body?
Increases mitochondria, ATPase activity, and modulates cholesterol metabolism. This leads to increased energy turn over, a rise in O2 consumption, and development of heat. T3 also stimulates action of Epi and Glucagon and GH.
What is the effect of T3/T4 on the body?
Increases mitochondria, ATPase activity, and modulates cholesterol metabolism. This leads to increased energy turn over, a rise in O2 consumption, and development of heat. T3 also stimulates action of Epi and Glucagon and GH.
Physical Exam Findings for Myxedema
Slow speech Absence of sweating Constipation Peirpheral Edema (Hard pitting edema is unusual but can happen) Pallor Hoarseness Decreases sense of taste and smell Muscle cramps, aches, and pains Dyspnea Weight changes (usually gain, but weight loss isn't rare) Diminished auditory acuity Pleural/Pericardial effusions (rare)
Physical Exam Findings for Myxedema
Slow speech Absence of sweating Constipation Peirpheral Edema (Hard pitting edema is unusual but can happen) Pallor Hoarseness Decreases sense of taste and smell Muscle cramps, aches, and pains Dyspnea Weight changes (usually gain, but weight loss isn't rare) Diminished auditory acuity Pleural effusions (rare)
Lab findings for Hypothyroidism
T4 levels LOW
In primary, TSH levels will be HIGH
In secondary, TSH levels will be LOW
Anemia
Why is TSH decreased in secondary (central) hypothyroidism?
Because there is an issue at the PG causing an inability to secrete TSH
Why is TSH decreased in secondary (central) hypothyroidism?
Because there is an issue at the PG causing an inability to secrete TSH
Why is TSH low in Hyperthyroidism?
Elevated T3 and T4 will inhibit TSH secretion
How to treat hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (aka Synthroid)
Avg dose: 125 mcg in the morning before food
Be sure to not take any iron, calcium, or Maalox.
If heart disease is present, start with a lower dosage.
Dosage dependent on weight (1.6 micrograms per kilogram)
How to treat hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (aka Synthroid)
Avg dose: 125 mcg in the morning before food
Be sure to not take any iron, calcium, or Maalox.
If heart disease is present, start with a lower dosage.
Dosage dependent on weight (1.6 micrograms per kilogram)
If elevated thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) or elevated Antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) along with swelling of thyroid indicates:
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
If elevated antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) or elevated Antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) along with swelling of thyroid.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged, firm, finely nodular, and pt may complain of neck tightness
Hasimoto’s Thyroiditis
Enlarged thyroid that is very tender and painful. Sometimes febrile state of patient if they had a viral infection before. Can complain of dysphagia as well.
Subacute (DeQuervain) Thyroiditis
Enlarged thyroid that is very tender and painful. Sometimes febrile state of patient if they had a viral infection before.
Subacute Thyroiditis
How do you treat subacute thyroiditis?
ASA or NSAIDs
If untreated, what can happen?
More inflammation, eventual fibrosis and scarring. This can lead to decreased function of the gland.
If untreated, what can happen?
More inflammation, eventual fibrosis and scarring. This can lead to decreased function of the gland.
Subacute Thyroiditis would present on labs (over time) as …
Thyrotoxicosis (symptom of hyperthyroidism) for a few weeks, then hypothyroidism for about 4-6 months) then normal thyroid levels (about 12 months later)
How do you treat subacute thyroiditis?
ASA to help with pain and inflammation
How do you treat subacute thyroiditis?
ASA to help with pain and inflammation