Thyroid pathology Flashcards
What is myxoedema?
Severe hypothyroidism
Medical emergency
What is Grave’s disease?
A rare autoimmune condition that can cause hyperthyroidism
IgG antibodies bind to TSH, stimulating thyroid hormone production
What are 3 autoimmune causes of hypothyroidism?
Atrophic thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis
What is atrophic thyroiditis?
Autothyroid antibodies are present which eventually result in atrophy and fibrosis of gland
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
autoimmune destruction of thyroid gland which lowers hormone levels
What is postpartum thyroiditis?
After pregnancy the immune system is altered which can result in hypo/hyper -thyroidism
What indicates permanent hypothyroidism in postpartum thyroiditis?
When conventional autoantibodies are found
List a cause of hypothyroidism that is to do with hormone deficiency?
Iodine deficiency
List some symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism…
weight gain cold intolerance bradycardia dry hair/skin tiredness anaemia constipation
What is the 1st line investigation in suspected hypothyroidism and what are the results?
Serum TSH
high TSH, low T4/T3
How do you manage hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (T4)
young - 50-100 micrograms
old - 25-50 micrograms
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
What is the typical patient that has myxoedema coma?
elderly woman with untreated hypothyroidism
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
Grave’s disease
List some symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism…
Weight loss irritability heat intolerance sweating thirst diarrhoea eye disease (only in Grave's) tachycardia/AF goitre