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Hyperthyroidism Clinical Guide Diagnosis Causes Symptoms Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a clinical condition caused by excessive production and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) from the thyroid gland, leading to a hypermetabolic state.
What is the difference between hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis?
Hyperthyroidism refers specifically to increased hormone production by the thyroid gland, whereas thyrotoxicosis refers to excess circulating thyroid hormones from any cause, including exogenous intake or thyroiditis.
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism worldwide, especially in young and middle-aged women.
What are the cardinal symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Weight loss despite increased appetite, heat intolerance, palpitations, tremors, anxiety, excessive sweating, and fatigue are cardinal symptoms.
Why do patients with hyperthyroidism develop palpitations?
Excess thyroid hormones increase beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, leading to tachycardia, increased cardiac output, and palpitations.
What are the typical thyroid function test findings in hyperthyroidism?
Suppressed TSH with elevated free T4 and/or free T3 levels is the hallmark laboratory finding.
What is T3 toxicosis?
T3 toxicosis is a form of hyperthyroidism where TSH is suppressed and T3 is elevated while T4 remains within the normal range.
What is apathetic hyperthyroidism?
Apathetic hyperthyroidism is a presentation seen mainly in elderly patients, characterized by weight loss, depression, atrial fibrillation, and minimal adrenergic symptoms.
How is Graves’ disease diagnosed?
Graves’ disease is diagnosed by clinical features, suppressed TSH, elevated thyroid hormones, positive TSH receptor antibodies, and diffuse increased uptake on radioactive iodine scan.
Why is radioactive iodine uptake low in thyroiditis?
In thyroiditis, excess hormones are released from damaged follicles rather than newly synthesized, resulting in low radioactive iodine uptake.
What are the main treatment options for hyperthyroidism?
Treatment options include beta-blockers for symptom control, antithyroid drugs (methimazole or propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery.
Why are beta-blockers used in hyperthyroidism?
Beta-blockers control adrenergic symptoms such as tremors, palpitations, and anxiety; propranolol also reduces peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.
What is the most serious adverse effect of antithyroid drugs?
Agranulocytosis is the most serious adverse effect, presenting with fever and sore throat and requiring immediate drug cessation.
Which antithyroid drug is preferred during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Propylthiouracil is preferred in the first trimester due to lower teratogenic risk compared to methimazole.
What is thyroid storm?
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening complication of severe hyperthyroidism characterized by hyperpyrexia, delirium, severe tachycardia, and heart failure.
Why is iodine given after antithyroid drugs in thyroid storm?
Iodine is given after antithyroid drugs to prevent stimulation of new hormone synthesis and to block hormone release.
What are common cardiovascular complications of hyperthyroidism?
Atrial fibrillation, high-output heart failure, widened pulse pressure, and worsening angina are common cardiovascular complications.
Can hyperthyroidism cause osteoporosis?
Yes, excess thyroid hormones increase bone resorption, leading to decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis.
What is subclinical hyperthyroidism?
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is defined by suppressed TSH with normal T3 and T4 levels and may still increase cardiovascular and bone risks.
What is the long-term outcome after radioactive iodine therapy?
Most patients develop permanent hypothyroidism and require lifelong levothyroxine replacement.
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