Hypothyroidism Flashcards Preview

CP3 @ UoN - Medicine & Surgery > Hypothyroidism > Flashcards

Flashcards in Hypothyroidism Deck (13)
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1
Q

What is Hypothyroidism?

A

Clinical condition resulting from low levels of T3/T4

2
Q

How common is Hypothyroidism?

A

1-2% of general population

10:1 female preponderance

3
Q

What are the common causes of Hypothyroidism?

A

Autoimmune - Hashimoto’s, atrophic thyroditis

Prev treatment for hyperthyroidism

4
Q

What are the less common causes of Hypothyroidism?

A

Drugs - Amiodarone, iodine excess, lithium
Iodine deficiency
Thyroiditis (often transient)
2o causes - Hypothalamic/pituitary disorders

5
Q

What are the rare causes of Hypothyroidism?

A

Congenital agenesis

Neoplastic infiltration

6
Q

What are the sx of Hypothyroidism?

A
Fatigue
Depression/Psychosis
Cold intolerance
Wt gain
Constipation
Menorrhagia
Myxoedema coma (v. rare)
7
Q

What are the signs of Hypothyroidism?

A
Hair loss (incl outer 1/3 eyebrow)
Anaemia
Hoarse voice
Goitre
Bradycardia
Hyporeflexia
Dry skin
8
Q

What investigations are appropriate in suspected Hypothyroidism?

A

FBC (macrocytic if co-morbid pernicious anaemia, microcytic if menorrhagia)
TSH (raised)
T3/T4 (low)
TPO (raised in Hashimoto’s)
Cholesterol (raised in hepatic hypothyroidism)
CK (raised in muscular hypothyroidism)

9
Q

What is the management for Hypothyroidism?

A

Levothyroxine (L-T4)

  • Start low, titrate up
  • Reassess every 4-6wks until TSH in lower 1/2 ref range
10
Q

What is Acute Thyroiditis?

A

Inflammation of thyroid

Uncommon, may follow an URTI

11
Q

How does Acute Thyrotiditis present?

A
Fever
Malaise
Thyroid swelling
Tenderness
Thyrotoxic features (initially only, stored hormone released)
Pt then develops hypothyroidism
12
Q

What is the classic finding on investigation for Acute Thyroiditis?

A

Low/absent uptake on Technetium scanning

13
Q

How is Acute Thyroiditis treated?

A

Propranolol during thyrotoxic phase
Simple analgesia
Pred 30mg OD

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