Thyroiditis Flashcards
Define thyroiditis
Inflammation of the thyroid gland
Aetiology of thyroiditis
main +3
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis = autoimmune condition
Most common cause of hypothyroidism in the UK
Aggressive destruction of thyroid cells by the immune system
Environmental triggers have been hypothesised (e.g. smoking, infection)
Other types of thyroiditis
5
de Quervain’s thyroiditis Postpartum thyroiditis Drug induced thyroiditis Acute or infectious thyroiditis Riedel’s thyroiditis
Epidemiology of thyroiditis
prevalence, gender, age
True incidence UNKNOWN
15-30x more common in women
Usually occurs 30-50 yrs old
Presenting symptoms & signs of thyroiditis due to…
2
Hypothyroidism
Rapid enlargement of thyroid gland
Presenting symptoms & signs of thyroiditis - hypothyroidism
8
Fatigue Constipation Dry skin Weight gain Cold intolerance Menstrual irregularities Depression Hair loss
Presenting symptoms & signs of thyroiditis - enlargement of gland
(3)
Dyspnoea
Dysphagia
Tenderness
Investigations for thyroiditis
general +5
Based on clinical observations
Histology - diffuse lymphocytic & plasma cell infiltration w/ formation of lymphoid follicles TSH - raised Antibodies anti TPO antibodies anti thyroglobulin antibodies Thyroid US Radionuclide isotope scanning
Management of thyroiditis
2 types
Pharmacological
Surgical
Management of thyroiditis - pharmacological
2
Thyroid hormone replacement - oral levothyroxine sodium
Titrate dose based on patient’s needs
Management of thyroiditis - surgical
Considered if there’s a larger goitre that is causing symptoms due to compression of surrounding structures or if there’s a malignant nodule
Complications of thyroiditis
4
Thyroid hormone over replacement —> bone loss & tachycardia
Hyperlipidaemia
Hashimoto’s encephalopathy
Myxoedema coma
Prognosis of thyroiditis
GOOD prognosis w/ early diagnosis & levothyroxine replacement
