Thyroid disorders Flashcards
1
Q
Define hyperthyroidism
A
Overactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in excess thyroid hormone
2
Q
Causes of hyperthyroidism (6)
A
- Grave’s disease (most common)
- Toxic multinodular goitre
- Toxic thyroid adenoma
- Pituitary adenoma -> more TSH, high T3/T4
- De Quervain’s thyroiditis
- Drug induced
3
Q
Hyperthyroidism RF (5)
A
- Female
- Family history/genetic (HLA-DR3/4)
- Stress
- Smoking
- Amiodarone
4
Q
Pathology of Graves’ disease
A
- Serum IgG antibodies called TSH receptor stimulating antibodies (TRAb) bind to TSH receptors on thyroid and stimulate T3/4 production
- Excess secretion, follicular hyperplasia, hyperthyroidism and goitre
5
Q
Specific symptoms of Graves’ disease (4)
A
- Graves’ ophthalmology (extraocular muscle swellings - protruding eyes, lacrimation,, eye discomfort, diplopia)
- Pretibial myxoedema (raised purple/red symmetrical skin lesions over anterolateral aspect of the shins)
- Thyroid acropachy (finger clubbing, periosteal new bone formation)
- Goitre
6
Q
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (9)
A
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Diarrhoea
- Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Menstrual disturbance
7
Q
Signs of hyperthyroidism (9)
A
- Tachycardia/AF
- Tremor
- Goitre
- Hyperkinesia
- Lid lag
- Lid retraction
- Thin hair and hair loss
- Onycholysis - painless separation of the nail from nail bed
- Exophthalmos - bulging of eye
8
Q
Investigations for hyperthyroidism (4)
A
- TFTs - primary = low TSH, high T3/T4, secondary = high TSH/T3/4
- Thyroid autoantibodies - thyroglobulin antibodies, TRAb, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (more in hypo)
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Radioactive iodine isotope uptake - high in Graves’
9
Q
Treatment of hyperthyroidism (4)
A
- Beta blockers - reduces SNS activation
- Carbimazole - blocks thyroid hormone synthesis and is immunosuppressant
- Radioiodine therapy - iodine taken up and local irradiation and tissue damage
- Thyroidectomy - thyroid replacement needed
10
Q
Complications of thyroidectomy (7)
A
- Bleeding
- Post-op infection
- Hypocalcaemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Recurrent laryngeal palsy - laceration
- Recurrent hyperthyroidism
11
Q
Complications of hyperthyroidism
A
- Congestive HF
- AF
- Osteoporosis
- Graves’ ophthalmology complications
- Graves’ dermopathy - elephantitis
12
Q
Thyroid crisis/storm
A
Rapid deterioration of thyrotoxicosis with
- Hyperpyrexia
- Tachycardia
- Restlesslessness
- Delirium, coma, death
13
Q
What is thyroid crisis precipitated by?
A
- Infection
- Stress
- Surgery
- Radioactive iodine therapy
14
Q
Treatment of thyroid crisis
A
- Large dose carbimazole
- Propranolol
- Potassium iodide - acutely block thyroid hormone release from gland
- Hydrocortisone - inhibit peripheral conversion of T4 to T3
15
Q
Define hypothyroidism
A
Underactivity of the thyroid gland. Affects women more than men.