Week 9 Flashcards
Describe the development of the Thyroid?
- Thyroid tissue arises in midline at a point on tongue known as foramen caecum
- Epithelial cells sink downwards anterior to hyoid & larynx (week7)
What does the Thyroglossal duct do?
Connects developing thyroid to the tongue
List what you would expect to see in a histology of the Thyroid Gland?
- Follicle
- Follicular cells
- Colloid
- Para-follicular C-cells
Where synthesises & secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)?
Small-bodied neurons in arcuate nucleus & median eminence
What carries TRH to the anterior pituitary?
Long portal vessels
How is T4 released?
Inside lysosomes of the follicular cells, enzymes will cleave 2 peptides on the backbone of thyroglobulin molecule
Describe the 1. “Trapping” process during the synthesis & secreting of T3 & T4?
- TSH increases activity of Na/I co-transporter (NIS) on basolateral membrane of thyroid follicular cell
- Increased iodine trapping
What happens to the ratio of follicular-cell iodine to plasma iodine during “Trapping”?
Increases under conditions of high TSH
Describe what happens to the trapped iodine during synthesis & secretion of T3 & T4?
- Leaves cell, via pendrin, & enters lumen
- Thyroid peroxidase on luminal surface of secretory vesicle oxidises I- to Io
What does the follicular cell also secrete?
Thyroglobulin
Describe the 3. “Iodination” process during the synthesis & secretion of T3 & T4?
TSH stimulates iodination of thyroglobulin in the follicular lumen
Describe the 4. “Conjugation” process during the synthesis & secretion of T3 & T4?
TSH stimulates conjugation of iodinated tyrosine to form T4 & T3 linked to thyroglobulin
Describe the 5. “Endocytosis” process during the synthesis & secretion of T3 & T4?
TSH stimulates endocytosis of iodinated thyroglobulin into follicular cells from thyroid colloid
Describe the 6. “Proteolysis” process during the synthesis & secretion of T3 & T4?
TSH stimulates proteolysis of iodinated thyroglobulin, forming T3 & T4 in the lumen of lysoendosome
Describe the 7. “Secretion” process during the synthesis & secretion of T3 & T4?
TSH stimulates secretion of T4 & T3 into the circulation
Describe the “Hyperplasia” process during the synthesis & secretion of T3 & T4?
TSH exerts growth-factor effect, stimulating hyperplasia within the thyroid gland
What is 99.5% of T3 bound to in the blood plasma?
TBG (thyroxin-binding globulin)
What is 99.98% of T4 bound to in the blood plasma?
TBG (thyroxin-binding globulin)
How/What converts T4 to T3?
5’/3’ monodeiodinase activity removes the 5’ iodine
How do T4 & T3 enter the cytosol of a cell?
Either diffusion or carrier-mediated transport
What does TBG (thyroxin-binding globulin) do?
Along with other thyroid hormone binding proteins found in plasma (transthyretin & albumin) buffer free T3 & T4 levels in blood
What is the chain reaction when basal metabolic rate (BMR) increases?
Increased O2 consumption –> Increased heat production
What does hyperthyroidism do to the basal metabolic rate (BMR)?
Increased basal metabolic rate (BMR) upto 100%
What does hypothyroidism do to the basal metabolic rate (BMR)?
Decreased basal metabolic rate (BMR) to 50-60%
Describe the physiological actions of the thyroid hormones on carbohydrate, fat & protein stores?
- Increased Glucose uptake from GI Tract & Glucose utilisation
- Increased Liver glycogenolysis & gluconeogenesis
- Increased Lipolysis in adipose tissue (plasma FFA)
- Increased Tissue oxidation of FFA
- Increase protein turnover with net increase in anabolism
- Increase in specific enzymes/membrane proteins/hormone receptors
What other hormones does thyroid hormones have a permissive action on?
- GH, prolactin, gonadal & adrenal steroids
- Essential for normal development & function of central & peripheral nervous systems
Describe the effect of hypothyroidism on the brain?
- Poor mental ability
- Lack of memory & initiative
What 3 things does fetal hypothyroidism lead to?
- Neuronal hypoplasia
- Delayed myelination in specific neurones
- Mental retardation
Describe the Thyroid disorder- Goitrogens?
- Excess iodide
- Thiocyanate or perchlorate cause excess TSH secretion & hypertrophy of thyroid & hypothyroidism
Describe the Thyroid disorder- Pituitary tumours?
- Excess TSH= hypertrophy of thyroid & hyperthyroidism
- Lack of TSH= atrophy of thyroid & hypothyroidism
Describe the Thyroid disorder- Graves Disease?
- Long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS- autoimmune stimulation of thyroid)
- Hypertrophy of thyroid & hyperthyroidism
- Exophthalmos
Describe the Thyroid disorder- Hashimoto’s disease?
- Autoimmune destruction of thyroid
- Atrophy of thyroid & hypothyroidism
When can Goitre’s be present?
In Hyper- or Hypothyroidism
What % of GP consultations are for neurological symptoms?
17%
What is Spina bifida?
Group of congenital conditions where there’s an incomplete development/covering of brain &/or spinal cord, caused by failure of foetal spine to close normally in 1st month of pregnancy
List the proposed aetiologies for Spina Bifida?
- Multi-factorial inheritance
- Potato blight
- Vitamin deficiencies/folate
- Maternal fever
- Zinc deficiency
- High sound intensity
- Viral infection
- Alcohol
- Mineral deficiency
- Medication: Phenytoin, Epilim
What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?
- Spectrum of motor disorders affecting posture, movement & co-ordination
- Caused by brain lesion –> abnormal development of CNS
Describe the stages of Spinal cord during embryology?
- Neural plate 14 days
- Neural folds at 20 days
- Ant. neuropore closes 26 days
- Post. neuropore closes 29 days
What are the 2 minor spinal cord embryological defects?
- Spina Bifida occulta
2. Sacral dimple
What are the 2 cranial & vertebral neural tube abnormalities?
- Anencephalus
2. Spina bifida
Describe MILD spina bifida?
- Sac contains meninges & CSF but not spinal cord
- Mild disability
- Least common
When is Spina Bifida described as a serious disability?
If cord is displaced from neural canal or has not developed
Describe the neurological consequences of severe Spina Bifida?
- Lower motor neurone lesion
- Paralysis, loss of sensation & reflexes distal to abnormality
What are the pros & cons of surgical closure of the severe Spina Bifida defect?
- PROS: stop the high risk of infection due to the open wound
- CONS: not improve damage which is already done
Describe the neonatal consequences of severe Spina Bifida?
- High risk meningitis in open lesions in the neonate
- Hydrocephalus in 70-90% because of interruption of the circulation of CSF
What can be a consequence of shunting in hydrocephalus?
Shunts can become infected or blocked
What are neurological disorders 4 associated conditions?
- Renal anomalies
- Sphincter function
- Intellectual impairments
- Musculoskeletal
How can you diagnose neurological disability in antenatal care?
- Ultrasound spinal anomalies identifiable at 16-18 weeks
- α fetoprotein raised in neural tube defects maternal serum at 16-20 weeks, amniocentesis
Describe the neurological consequences of an L4 lesion?
- No motor function below knee, apart from tibialis anterior
- Weak glutei
- No sensation distal to L4
- Sphincters non-functioning (S2,3,4)
Describe the possible musculoskeletal problems associated with neurological disorders?
- LMN, muscle weakness/paralysis
- Difficulties walking
- Spinal deformity
- Disuse osteoporosis, risk of fracture
- Skin ulceration
What are the 2 problems with paralytic deformities of the feet?
- Difficulties with shoe wear
2. Plantar ulceration
Describe Scoliosis?
- Due to combo of
congenital abnormalities of the spine & muscle weakness - If surgical correction is required, usually done after age of 10 years to allow sufficient spinal
growth beforehand
What are 4 factors influencing walking?
- Neurological level
- Intellectual impairment
- Psychological
- Age
What is the prognosis for independent walking as a adult?
- Thoracic & upper lumbar lesions: none
- Lower lumbar & sacral: can walk but will need splints to compensate for paralysed muscles
Is mobility the same as walking?
NO
Describe the flexed knee gait in a L4 lesion?
- Patient relied on intact quadriceps
- Paralysed calf muscles result in excess ankle dorsiflexion
- Muscle fatigue
- Energy inefficient gait
- Knee pain
Describe why there are mobility challenges when a child grows into an adult with a L4 lesion?
Increasing height & weight as child grows but muscle strength does not change
Describe the challenges to mobility as an adult with a L4 lesion/
- Muscle fatigue & knee pain may worsen & becomes more reliant on a wheelchair
- Able to drive in adapted vehicle
- Self propelling or electric wheelchair for shorter distances
- Will require adapted housing if living independently
Describe Charcot joints?
Loss of protective sensation & proprioception in a joint can result in joint destruction
What are the 4 expectations of lower urinary tracts?
- Bladder should fill to good capacity
- Empty to completion
- Emptying should be under voluntary control
- Filling & emptying should not be
detrimental to renal function
Describe the consequences of urinary incontinence (S2-4) in neurogenic bladder?
Incomplete emptying
leads to back pressure on ureters & eventual renal
parenchymal damage & failure if untreated
What are the possible treatments for urinary incontinence?
- Nappies in kids
- Permanent bladder catheterisation (UTIs)
- Clean intermittent catheterisation often best option (carer or patient self)
- Urinary diversion for physical or social reasons (stoma bag)
Describe the reasons/problems with Faecal incontinence?
- Often a barrier to social acceptance
- Paralysis of external anal sphincter & mechanism to indicate a full rectum
- Some have weak abdominal & perineal muscles
What are the possible treatments for faecal incontinence?
- Daily rectal enema
- Constipation may require laxatives or manual evacuation
- Surgical diversion for physical or social reasons
What are the sexual problems associated with neurological disorders?
- Libido may be normal - Sensation absent (S2-4)
- Erections possible due to spinal reflex
- Fertility females normal, males usually sterile
- Menstruation may cause further social difficulty
Describe different forms of education for people with neurological disorders?
- Mainstream school
- Special needs school: learning & physical disability
- College to acquire life skills for those with learning difficulties
What do patients whose disabilities preclude employment do?
Attend a day centre
What is the disability paradox?
Poor function but excellent quality of life
What are the challenges to independent living as an adult?
- Learning/ Behavioural difficulties
- Social continence not achieved
- Cannot transfer independently
- Ageing parents
- Live in a sheltered facility & looked after by a team of carers
What are the 2 types of Euthyroid?
- Diffuse- younger people
2. Multinodular- older
What are the 2 types of Hypothyroid & what cases them?
- Iodine deficiency- endemic, versus seaweed increase
2. Goitrogens- drugs (lithium, amiodarone) diet (cabbage, turnips)
What is the pathogenesis of goitre’s?
- Reactive
- Iodine block
- Genetic
Describe the characteristics of a benign mass?
Usually movable, soft & non tender
Describe the characteristics of a malignancy?
Hard nodule, fixation to surrounding tissue & regional lymphadenopathy
Describe the signs & symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
- Nervousness
- Heat intolerance
- Diarrohea
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of weight & appetite
Describe the signs & symptoms of hypothyroidism?
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Weight gain, in children, primarily accumulation of myxedematous fluid
- Slow speech
- Deep hoarse voice
- Thickening of skin
Why do signs & symptoms of local nerve involvement trigger rapid investigation?
- Involvement may be indicative of local invasiveness from malignancy
- Most important signs are dysphagia & hoarseness
Describe the different diagnosis’s in Thyroid function tests?
- Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) may indicate thyroiditis
- Very low TSH level indicates autonomous or hyperfunctioning nodule
What is the Antithyroid antibodies helpful in diagnosing?
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis)
What is complete blood count (CBC) helpful in diagnosing?
Abscess
What are the 4 different techniques for diagnosing thyroid pathology?
- Thyroid function test
- Antithyroid antibodies
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Fine needle aspirate
What are the 5 different imaging studies used for thyroid pathology?
- Ultrasonography
- Radioiodine scintigraphy
- Chest radiography
- Computed tomography (CT)
- MRI
What is Ultrasonography useful for in thyroid pathology?
Determine whether nodule is cystic, solid, or mixed
What is Radioiodine scintigraphy useful for in thyroid pathology?
Determine whether nodule is cold, warm, or hot
Why is a Chest radiography used in thyroid pathology?
If malignancy is suspected, given the high incidence of early metastases to the lungs
What is CT & MRI useful for in thyroid pathology?
Analyse the extent of disease by scanning the neck & chest
List the different disease categories diseases of the thyroid?
- Trauma & toxicity
- Goitre, solitary nucleus, neoplasms
- Chronic inflammation (immune or not)
- Acute thyroiditis, abscess
- Metabolic, genetic
What is the commonest type of hyperthyroidism?
Graves (may present as diffuse toxic goitre)
What are the 3 different types of hyperthyroidism?
- Graves
- Functional goitre
- Toxic adenoma
What are the 2 types of hypothyroidism?
- Congenital
2. Autoimmune
What are the 3 causes of autoimmune hypothyroidism?
- Defective TH production
- Loss of parenchyma
- Deficient TSH
Describe Graves (hyperthyroidism)?
- Autoimmune
- Under 40 years
- Female 10 : male 1
- Immune: IgG against TSH receptor on thyrocytes
- Strong family history HLA DR3 & CTLA-4
Who is Hashimoto thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune) most common in?
Females 30-50yrs
Describe Hashimoto thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune)?
- Present as hyper- / hypo- thyroidism
- Autoreactive CD8 T lymphocytes
- Autoreactive antibodies: thyroid microsomal in almost all 95% thyroglobulin in 2/3’s, minority have blocking TSH receptor antibodies
- Family history strong & other autoimmune diseases
What are 2 other causal risks for Hashimoto thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune)?
- Increased iodine intake
2. Viral infection
Name a benign thyroid neoplasm?
Follicular adenoma
Describe the 2 types of malignant thyroid neoplasms?
- Primary- 1% of cancers: PAPILLARY, FOLLICULAR, anapaestic, medullary, lymphoma
- Metastatic- lymphoma
Describe a Follicular adenoma (benign)?
- 30-50y
- Female>males
- 1-3 cm at presentation
- Different histological subtypes
- Sometimes functional
- Ras mutation?
Describe the prevalence of Papillary carcinoma (malignant)?
- Around 80% of thyroid cancers
- 20-50y
- Females 3 : males 1
What are the 3 different causes of Papillary carcinoma (malignant)?
- RADIATION (Chernobyl)
- Family history
- Unknown
Describe the molecular pathology of Papillary carcinoma (malignant)?
- Rearrangement of RET oncogene in most
- B-RAF mutation in half, increased risk of LN mets
Describe the prevalence of Follicular carcinoma (malignant)?
- Around 20% of thyroid cancers
- Older than 40
- Female 3 : male 1
Describe the molecular pathology in Follicular carcinoma (malignant)?
- RAS oncogene
- PAX8/PPARG rearrangements
- Minimally invasive versus invasive
- Blood spread
Describe the prevalence of Anaplastic carcinoma (malignant)?
Female 4 : Male 1
Describe the molecular pathology of Anaplastic carcinoma (malignant)?
- 1/2 have had chronic goitre
- May have had previous thyroid neoplasia
- p53 mutation common
Describe the prevalence of Medullary carcinoma?
20% familial (in younger patients)
Describe the molecular pathology of Medullary Carcinoma?
RET proto-oncogene activation
What are 3 diseases of the parathyroid glands?
- Primary hyperparathyoridism
- Secondary hyperparathyoridism
- Tertiary hyperparathyoridism
What are the 3 different types of Primary hyperparathyoridism?
- Adenoma: 4/5’s
- Hyperplasia (some familial)
- Parathyroid carcinoma (less than 1%)
What is the cause of Secondary hyperparathyoridism?
Low calcium (chronic renal failure & vitamin D deficiency)
What is the cause of Tertiary hyperparathyoridism?
Raised calcium in secondary hyperparathyoridism
What do you need to remember about endocrine neoplasia?
There are multiple (MEN1 & MEN2 examples)
What is a stressor?
Stimulus that disrupts homeostasis & causes stress response
What is the stress response?
Suite of physiological & behavioral responses to a stressor that help to restore homeostasis
Describe the 2-step physiological stress response?
- Sympathetic nervous system- Quick, within sec’s, release of epinephrine (adrenaline)
- HPA Axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis)- Slower, mins-hrs, release of cortisol
What 3 things does the adrenal cortex release?
- Glucocorticoids
- Mineralocorticoids
- Sex hormones
What 2 things does the adrenal medulla release?
- Epinephrine
2. Norepinephrine
Describe the HPA Axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis)?
Hypothalamus –> CRH –> Pituitary gland –> ACTH –> Adrenal cortex –> Cortisol –> Hypothalamus
What are the immediate effects of the stress response?
- Increased heart rate & O2 intake
- Increased blood glucose levels
- Increased blood flow to muscles
- Increased alertness
- Inhibition of digestion, immune system
- Release of endorphins
- Dilation of pupils
Describe the consequences of Short-term versus long-term consequences of stress?
Beneficial in short-term or mild levels, but can cause major long-term problems if stress is chronic
What 5 health problems is chronic stress related to?
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Ulcers
- Growth problems
- Compromised immune system
What is the relationship between cortisol & depression?
Cortisol elevated in 50% of depressed patients
Describe the rhythm in cortisol production?
- High in morning (7-9am)
- Low at night (11pm-4am)
Describe the Dexamethasone suppression test?
Causes HPA negative feedback to turn off, so no cortical surge (not true in depressed patients)
What 2 disease’s is depression a symptom of?
- Cushing’s disease (high cortisol)
- Addison’s disease (low cortisol)
Describe the effect of the stress response on the immune system over time?
- 1st few mins: enhanced immune system
- After ~1hr: returns to normal
- Chronic stress: suppresses immune system
Why is cortisol described as being a key anti-stress hormone?
- It helps reduce inflammation during stress, also acts as immunosuppressent
- Various components of immune system influenced by cortisol