Thyroid Disorders Flash Cards

Question 1

What are the four main types of thyroid disorders?

Answer 1

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, structural abnormalities (e.g., goiter), and thyroid tumors (benign or malignant).

Question 2

What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 2

Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder causing excessive thyroid hormone production.

Question 3

Which thyroid disorder is associated with exophthalmos and pretibial myxedema?

Answer 3

Graves’ disease.

Question 4

What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide?

Answer 4

Iodine deficiency.

Question 5

What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas?

Answer 5

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder.

Question 6

Which thyroid hormone is more biologically active: T3 or T4?

Answer 6

Triiodothyronine (T3) is more biologically active than thyroxine (T4).

Question 7

What is the function of thyroid hormones in metabolism?

Answer 7

They regulate basal metabolic rate, carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

Question 8

Which structure connects the two lobes of the thyroid gland?

Answer 8

The isthmus.

Question 9

What is the normal weight of the thyroid gland in adults?

Answer 9

15-25 grams.

Question 10

What is a simple goiter?

Answer 10

A benign, non-toxic enlargement of the thyroid gland not caused by inflammation or neoplasm.

Question 11

What is the most common cause of goiter worldwide?

Answer 11

Iodine deficiency.

Question 12

What are common dietary goitrogens?

Answer 12

Cabbage, cassava, and certain drugs like lithium and amiodarone.

Question 13

What are the two types of goiter based on iodine status?

Answer 13

Endemic goiter (iodine deficiency) and sporadic goiter (in iodine-sufficient populations).

Question 14

What is the first-line investigation for thyroid function?

Answer 14

Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T3, and Free T4).

Question 15

Which thyroid disorder has a female predominance with an F:M ratio of 5:1?

Answer 15

Thyroid disorders in general, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Question 16

What is the triad of Graves’ disease?

Answer 16

Exophthalmos, pretibial myxedema, and acropachy.

Question 17

Which antibodies are commonly found in Graves’ disease?

Answer 17

TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies.

Question 18

What is the pathogenesis of Graves’ disease?

Answer 18

Autoantibodies stimulate the TSH receptor, leading to excess thyroid hormone production and gland enlargement.

Question 19

What are the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 19

Weight loss, heat intolerance, palpitations, tremors, exophthalmos, and hyperreflexia.

Question 20

What are the first-line treatment options for hyperthyroidism?

Answer 20

Thionamides (carbimazole, propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine, and thyroidectomy.

Question 21

Which beta-blocker is commonly used for symptomatic relief in hyperthyroidism?

Answer 21

Propranolol.

Question 22

Which medication is used to block thyroid hormone synthesis in hyperthyroidism?

Answer 22

Carbimazole or propylthiouracil (PTU).

Question 23

What is a thyroid storm?

Answer 23

A life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism presenting with fever, tachycardia, hypertension, and delirium.

Question 24

What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?

Answer 24

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Question 25

What are the common symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Answer 25

Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and constipation.

Question 26

What are the common signs of hypothyroidism?

Answer 26

Dry skin, puffy face, hoarseness, slow speech, bradycardia, and delayed deep tendon reflexes.

Question 27

Which hormone is typically elevated in primary hypothyroidism?

Answer 27

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

Question 28

What is the preferred treatment for hypothyroidism?

Answer 28

Levothyroxine (T4) replacement therapy.

Question 29

Which laboratory test helps differentiate primary from secondary hypothyroidism?

Answer 29

TSH (elevated in primary hypothyroidism, low or normal in secondary hypothyroidism).

Question 30

What is myxedema coma?

Answer 30

A severe form of hypothyroidism characterized by hypothermia, bradycardia, and altered mental status.

Question 31

What is the first-line treatment for myxedema coma?

Answer 31

Intravenous levothyroxine and supportive care.

Question 32

What is postpartum thyroiditis?

Answer 32

A transient thyroid disorder occurring within a year after childbirth, often presenting with hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism.

Question 33

What is De Quervain’s thyroiditis?

Answer 33

Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, often post-viral, causing painful thyroid swelling and transient hyperthyroidism.

Question 34

Which thyroiditis is commonly associated with a viral infection?

Answer 34

Subacute granulomatous (De Quervain’s) thyroiditis.

Question 35

What is the most common type of thyroid cancer?

Answer 35

Papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Question 36

Which thyroid cancer is associated with calcitonin secretion?

Answer 36

Medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Question 37

Which thyroid cancer has the worst prognosis?

Answer 37

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Question 38

What is the commonest presentation of thyroid cancer?

Answer 38

A painless thyroid nodule.

Question 39

What is the best initial investigation for a thyroid nodule?

Answer 39

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

Question 40

What is the most common cause of a solitary toxic thyroid nodule?

Answer 40

Toxic adenoma.

Question 41

What is the mainstay treatment for thyroid cancer?

Answer 41

Surgery (thyroidectomy) followed by radioactive iodine therapy if needed.

Question 42

Which thyroid disorder is associated with MEN 2 syndrome?

Answer 42

Medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Question 43

What is the role of radioactive iodine in thyroid disorders?

Answer 43

Used to treat hyperthyroidism and ablate residual thyroid tissue in thyroid cancer.

Question 44

Which thyroid hormone disorder can cause infertility?

Answer 44

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Question 45

What is the recommended daily iodine intake for adults?

Answer 45

150 μg per day.

Question 46

What is the primary treatment for toxic multinodular goiter?

Answer 46

Radioactive iodine therapy or surgery.

Question 47

What is the commonest thyroid disorder in pregnancy?

Answer 47

Hypothyroidism, often due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Question 48

Which drugs can induce hypothyroidism?

Answer 48

Amiodarone, lithium, and interferon-alpha.

Question 49

What is the most common cause of secondary hypothyroidism?

Answer 49

Pituitary disease leading to low TSH production.

Question 50

What is the purpose of TSH suppression therapy after thyroid cancer treatment?

Answer 50

To prevent recurrence by suppressing residual thyroid tissue growth.