ICR Hypo/Hyper Thyroidism

Question 0

What pattern of symptoms should make you doubtful that it is thyrotoxic?

Answer 0

Paroxysmal
Many symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are shared by other common anxiety states, but for thyrotoxicosis symptoms tend to be pervasive rather than situational.

Question 1

What is the difference between thyrotoxicosis and hyperthyroidism?

Answer 1

Correct term for ALL causes of thyroid hormone excess; syndrome can be caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones, excessive leakage of stored hormones from damaged gland, over-ingestion of exogenous thyroid hormones.
Hyperthyroidism - implies excessive production of thyroid hormones by thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism is somewhat “within” thyrotoxicosis.

Question 2

Which thyroid hormone is more potent?

Answer 2

Triiodothyronine (T3) is more potent than thyroxine (T4)

Question 3

If one is suspecting TSH-dependent hyperthyroidism due to a pituitary problem, the TSH levels will be high or low?

Answer 3

Inappropriately high for the measured T4 and/or T3. If T4 and/or T3 is high and TSH is NOT LOW, you suspect pituitary disease.

Question 4

What if T4 is low but TSH is not high? What should you suspect

Answer 4

pituitary disease (secondary hypothyroidism)

Question 5

What does RAIU stand for? How do you measure it?

Answer 5

Radioactive Iodine Uptake.
Number of “counts” is measured prior to administration. Then Geiger counter measurements are performed directly over thyroid gland 4-6 and 24 hrs later. Number of counts over the thyroid divided by number of counts administered represents RAIU.

Question 6

Will the RAIU value be increased or decreased in a patient with hyperthyroidism?

Answer 6

increased as long as the entire thyroid gland is involved in the disease process.

Question 7

Proptosis?

Answer 7

exophthalmos

bulging of the eye anteriorly out of the eyelid