Thyroid- Clincal Questions

Question 1

How would you determine if someone had hyperthyroidism or anxiety syndrome (stress)?

Answer 1

Look at their hands

Hyperthyroidism: warm hands due to vasodilation

Stress: cold hands

Question 2

What is the substance that can be used in scanning the thyroid gland?

Answer 2

Technetium-99m (less ionising so safer than iodine)

Question 3

Give some reasons for hypothyroidism

Answer 3

Failure of the thyroid gland
TSH or TRH deficiency
Inadequate dietary supply of iodine
Autoimmune disease

Question 4

Why might someone who has hypothyroidism have an enlarge thyroid gland even though the gland is secreting less hormone?

Answer 4

Compensatory hyperplasia

Question 5

What are the potential issues with giving someone oral thyroxin as a treatment for hypothyroidism?

Answer 5

If you give too much then they may well get thyrotoxicosis

Question 6

Can the presence of a pituitary adenoma explain the lack of success someone might have in conceiving?

Answer 6

Yes, as the adenoma may be secreting prolactin which will inhibit FSH and LH