Thyroid function tests

Question 1

What test can be used alone as a screening test if you are concerned about thyroid disease?

Answer 1

TSH

Question 2

Describe TSH levels in hyperthhyroidism

Answer 2

TSH is low. The exception is a pituitary adenoma that secretes TSH in which case it will be high

Question 3

Describe TSH levels in hypothyroidism

Answer 3

TSH is high. The exception is a pituitary or hypothalamic cause in which case the TSH will be low

Question 4

What antibodies are usually present in Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis?

Answer 4

Antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies

antithyroglobulin antibodies

Question 5

What antibody causes Grave’s disease?

Answer 5

TSH receptor antibodies

Question 6

What imaging can be used to examine the thyroid?

Answer 6

Ultrasound and radioisotope scan

Question 7

What is a thyroid ultrasound useful for?

Answer 7

Diagnosing thyroid nodules and distinguishing between cystic and solid noodles
Can also be used to guide a biopsy

Question 8

What sort of information is gained from a radioisotope scan/

Answer 8

Functional information

Question 9

IN what condition is a diffuse high uptake found?

Answer 9

Grave’s disease

Question 10

In what condition is a focal high uptake found?

Answer 10

Toxic multinodular goitre and adenomas

Question 11

In what conditions are “cold” areas found?

Answer 11

thyroid cancer