Thyroid Hormone Overproduction Flashcards
Is hyperthyroidism more common in men or women?
10x more common in women (prevalent in 2% of female population)
How does Grave’s disease contribute to hyperthyroidism?
- Is an autoimmune condition
- Body produces antibodies that work the same as TSH
- Fool TSH receptor on thyroid
- Thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones
What are the other causes of hyperthyroidism?
- Toxic nodule or toxic MNG (more than 1 nodule) (15%)
- Thyroiditis (1%)
- Grave’s disease (80%)
- Drug induced
What is thyroiditis?
Inflammation of thyroid gland, causes period of overactive followed by period of underactive thyroid
What drug causes hyperthyroidism?
Amiodarone (prescribed for arrhythmia). High levels of iodine that upsets thyroid function
What is the clinical presentation of hyperthyroidism?
- Hyperactivity, insomnia, irritability
- Heat intolerance and increased sweating
- Palpitations
- Weight loss
- Menstrual problems
How can you examine for hyperthyroidism?
- Hand tremors
- Increased sweating
- Fast pulse
- Enlarged thyroid
What does the thyroid look like in:
- Grave’s disease
- Toxic nodules
- Thyroid inflammation
- Smooth
- Nodular
- Tender
What is extra thyroidal extension (ETE)?
Autoimmune disease - extension of primary tumour and invasion into surrounding structures
An effect of ETE can be thyroid eye disease. What are the clinical presentations of this?
- Inflammation as antibodies attack the fat and muscle behind the eye
- Protrusion of eye (proptosis) as water trapped behind eye
- Paralysis of eye muscles
- Double vision caused by independent moving of eyes
How can hyperthyroidism be diagnosed?
Static test is enough - thyroid blood test
What is treatment for hyperthyroidism?
- Antithyroid drug - remission in 50% of patients after 6-18 months
- Radioactive iodine
- Surgery
What is side effect of antithyroid drug?
Can suppress white cell production
How does radioactive iodine treat hyperthyroidism?
Destroys thyroid gland, causing underactive thyroid (easier to treat)
