Endocrinology Flashcards
(159 cards)
What is the pathophysiology of Graves Disease
Autoimmune disorder in which IgG antibody binds to the TSH receptor and triggers synthesis of excess thyroid hormone
What does a radioiodide scan show in Graves Disease?
Diffuse uptake because every thyroid cell is hyperfunctioning
What is Plummer Disease
AKA Toxic Multinodular Goiter. It’s when there are discrete areas of hyperfunctioning thyroid gland.
What does a radioiodide scan show in Plummer Disease?
Patchy uptake
What are 2 causes of transient hyperthyroidism?
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Subacute (Granulomatous) Thyroiditis
What are the three signs of hyperthyroidism that are specific to Grave’s Disease?
- Exophthalmos
- Pretibial Myxedema
- Thyroid Bruit
What do you find on exam in subacute thyroiditis?
An exquisitely tender, diffusely enlarged gland with a viral illness.
What is the mechanism of the development of exophthalmos?
There is edema of the extraocular muscles and retro-orbital tissues.
What is the mechanism of the development of pretibial myxedema?
Edema over the tibial surface due to the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the dermis.
What situations cause an increase in TBG?
- Pregnancy
- Liver disease
- OCP use
- Aspirin
For patients on thyroid medication, what should you monitor and why?
You should monitor the leukocyte count because they can cause agranulocytosis.
What are the shared side effects of Methimazole and PTU?
-Rash, agranulocytosis, hepatotoxicity, arthralgias
What is the MOA of PTU?
Inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis and inhibits the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.
What is the MOA of Methimazole?
Inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis
What are some complications of thyroid surgery?
- Permanent hypothyroidism
- Accidental hypoparathyroidism (look for hypocalcemia)
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
How do you treat pregnant patients with Graves Disease?
PTU
What are some precipitants of thyroid storm?
- Stress (trauma, surgery, childbirth, illness)
- Infection
- DKA
What are the clinical manifestations of thyroid storm?
- Marked fever
- Tachycardia
- GI upset (N/V/D)
- Agitation or psychosis
- Confusion
How do you treat thyroid storm?
- Supportive: IV fluids, cooling blankets, glucose
- PTU every 2 hours
- Beta blockers to control heart rate
- Dex to impair peripheral generation of T3 from T4 and to provide adrenal support.
What are patients with hashimotos at increased risk for?
-Increased risk for thyroid carcinoma and thyroid lymphoma
What are the risk factors for thyroid cancer?
- Head and neck radiation
- Gardner Syndrome and Cowden syndrome for papillary cancer
- MEN type II for medullary cancer
What is the most important risk factor for papillary carcinoma?
History of radiation to the head and neck
Which thyroid cancer has the best prognosis?
Papillary carcinoma
How does papillary carcinoma spread?
via the lymphatics. Distant mets are rare.