Graves' Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is Graves’ disease?
A
An autoimmune condition where you have TRAb
2
Q
How does Graves’ cause hyperthyroidism?
A
Circulating IgG autoantibodies bind to TSH receptors and activate them. This leads to smooth thyroid enlargement and excess hormone production.
3
Q
How does Graves’ cause ophthalmopathy?
A
The TRAb also react with orbital autoantigens
4
Q
What are some Graves’ specific presentations?
A
Diffuse goitre, thyroid eye disease, pretibial myxoedema, acropachy
5
Q
What is acropachy?
A
Soft-tissue swelling of hands and clubbing of the fingers
6
Q
What investigations would you perform?
A
TFT, test for thyroid autoantibodies
7
Q
What is the prognosis for Graves’?
A
About 50% will relapse and need radioiodine or surgery
