Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
What is hyperthyroidism?
Overproduction of TH by thyroid gland
What is thyroxicosis?
Abnormal and excessive quantity of TH in the body
What is primary hyperthyroidism?
Thyroid pathology
What is secondary hyperthyroidism?
Hypothalamus or pituitary pathology
Overstimulation of thyroid gland by TSH
What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?
Grave’s disease
Toxic multinodular goitre
Solitary toxic thyroid nodule (usually benign adenoma)
Thyroiditis
What is Grave’s disease?
Autoimmune condition
TSH receptor antibodies cause primary hyperthyroidism
TSH receptor antibodies mimic TSH and stimulate TSH receptors on the thyroid
What is toxic multinodular goitre?
Nodules develop on the thyroid gland that continuously produce excessive thyroid hormone
What are universal features of hyperthyroidism?
Anxiety and irritability
Sweating and heat intolerance
Tachycardia
Weight loss
Fatigue
Frequent loose stools
Sexual dysfunction
Tremor
What are unique features of Grave’s disease?
Due to TSH receptor antibodies:
- Diffuse goitre
- Graves eye disease
- Bilateral exophthalmos (bulging of eyeball out the socket)
- Pretibial myxoedema (dermatological condition)
What are unique features of toxic multinodular goitre?
Goitre with firm nodules
>50
What is the management of hyperthyroidism?
Carbimazole- first line antithyroid drug
Propylthiouracil- second line antithyroid drug
Radioactive iodine- destroys thyroid cells
Beta blockers- block adrenalin related symptoms
Surgery- remove whole thyroid or toxic nodules, require levothyroxine for life
