10A - Grave's Disease

Question 1

What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 1

Graves’ disease.

Question 2

What are the three main features of Graves’ disease?

Answer 2

Hyperthyroidism, ophthalmopathy, and dermopathy.

Question 3

What does ‘hyperthyroidism’ mean?

Answer 3

Overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

Question 4

Where is the thyroid gland located?

Answer 4

On the trachea, just below the larynx.

Question 5

Which hormone does the hypothalamus release to regulate thyroid function?

Answer 5

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH).

Question 6

What hormone does the anterior pituitary release in response to TRH?

Answer 6

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Question 7

What hormones does the thyroid gland secrete?

Answer 7

T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).

Question 8

What protein carries T3 and T4 in the bloodstream?

Answer 8

Thyroid-binding protein.

Question 9

What is the more potent thyroid hormone, T3 or T4?

Answer 9

T3.

Question 10

What kind of feedback do high T3 and T4 levels have on the hypothalamus?

Answer 10

Negative feedback.

Question 11

What is the effect of T3 on cells?

Answer 11

It increases metabolic rate and sympathetic activity.

Question 12

Name one pituitary cause of hyperthyroidism.

Answer 12

Pituitary adenoma (causing excess TSH).

Question 13

Name a medication that can induce hyperthyroidism.

Answer 13

Amiodarone.

Question 14

What does ‘toxic’ imply in thyroid conditions like toxic adenoma?

Answer 14

Excess production of thyroid hormones.

Question 15

What type of antibodies are found in Graves’ disease?

Answer 15

Autoantibodies.

Question 16

What is the main autoantibody in Graves’ disease?

Answer 16

TSH receptor autoantibody (TSI – thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin).

Question 17

What is the function of TSH receptor autoantibodies?

Answer 17

They mimic TSH and stimulate the thyroid to produce more T3 and T4.

Question 18

Why does TSH decrease in Graves’ disease despite high thyroid hormones?

Answer 18

Due to negative feedback from elevated T3 and T4.

Question 19

Name two less common antibodies sometimes present in Graves’.

Answer 19

Thyroglobulin and TPO (thyroid peroxidase) antibodies.

Question 20

Where else in the body do TSH-like receptors exist?

Answer 20

In the eyes and legs.

Question 21

What causes the ophthalmopathy and dermopathy in Graves’ disease?

Answer 21

Cross-reaction of TSH receptor antibodies with tissues in eyes and skin.

Question 22

Name a gender more at risk for Graves’ disease.

Answer 22

Females.

Question 23

Name three risk factors for Graves’ disease.

Answer 23

Family history, smoking, and stress.

Question 24

What is a common mood-related symptom of Graves’ disease?

Answer 24

Irritability or hyperactivity.

Question 25

Name three physical symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Answer 25

Weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations.

Question 26

What is Graves’ ophthalmopathy?

Answer 26

Eye bulging and discomfort due to antibody reaction in eye tissue.

Question 27

What is Graves’ dermopathy?

Answer 27

Skin thickening, especially in the lower legs.

Question 28

What cardiac issues may occur with Graves’ disease?

Answer 28

Tachycardia or atrial fibrillation.

Question 29

What is a fine tremor a sign of?

Answer 29

Increased sympathetic activity.

Question 30

What would TSH levels look like in Graves’ disease?

Answer 30

Decreased.

Question 31

What would T3 and T4 levels look like in Graves’ disease?

Answer 31

Increased.

Question 32

What blood test can confirm autoimmune Graves'?

Answer 32

TSH receptor antibody test.

Question 33

What imaging test is used to assess thyroid structure?

Answer 33

Thyroid ultrasound.

Question 34

What is a thyroid scintigraphy scan used for?

Answer 34

To evaluate iodine uptake in the thyroid gland.

Question 35

Name two types of antithyroid medications.

Answer 35

Methimazole and Propylthiouracil (PTU).

Question 36

What enzyme do antithyroid drugs inhibit?

Answer 36

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO).

Question 37

What class of drugs helps manage sympathetic symptoms?

Answer 37

Beta blockers.

Question 38

What does radioiodine therapy do to the thyroid gland?

Answer 38

Destroys thyroid tissue to reduce hormone production.

Question 39

What surgical procedure treats Graves’ disease?

Answer 39

Thyroidectomy.

Question 40

Name one complication of thyroidectomy.

Answer 40

Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve.