Thyroiditis

Question 1

what is thyroiditis

Answer 1

inflammation of the thyroid gland

Question 2

common type of thyroiditis

Answer 2

hashimotos thyroiditis

Question 3

what is hashimotos thyroiditis

Answer 3

autoimmune destruction of thyroid gland

Question 4

symptoms of hypothyroidism

Answer 4

Fatigue  
Constipation  
Dry skin  
Weight gain  
Cold intolerance  
Menstrual irregularities  
Depression  
Hair loss

Question 5

symptoms of rapid enlargement of thyroid gland

Answer 5

dyspnoea, dysphagia and tenderness

Question 6

investigations

Answer 6

Histology: diffuse lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltration with formation of lymphoid follicles

TSH - raised
Antibodies:
Anti-TPO antibodies
Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies

Thyroid ultrasound
Radionuclide isotope scanning

Question 7

thyroid function tests on hashimotos

Answer 7

TSH; high

T4; low

Question 8

pharmalogical management

Answer 8

Thyroid hormone replacement - oral levothyroxine sodium

Question 9

when will surgical management be an option

Answer 9

if there is a large goitre causing symptoms due to compression of surrounding structures or if there is a malignant nodule

Question 10

when will TSH and T3/T4 all be LOW

Answer 10

secondary hypothyroid (e.g. pituitary problem)