Hyperthyroidism

Inappropriately high synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormone

Most common causes:

  • Graves disease
  • Toxic thyroid adenoma
  • Toxic multinodular goiter

Pathogenesis

Depends on underlying cause

Common symptoms include

  • Fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, poor concentration
  • Palpitations, shortness of breath
  • Heat intolerance, increased sweating
  • Weight loss despite increased appetite
  • Muscle weakness
  • Neck swelling
  • Oligomenorrhea or infertility in women, decreased libido in men
  • Depression, mental status changes (for example, psychosis or coma)
  • Eye irritation, pain, or eyelid swelling.

Physical examination

  • Tachycardia, dysrhythmia
  • Hypertension
  • Weight lost
  • Warm, moist skin
  • Hair loss, hair thinning
  • Ocular signs:
    • Stare
    • Lid retraction
    • Lid lag
    • Exophthalmos (proptosis)
    • Periorbital edema
    • Conjunctival erythema and edema (chemosis)
    • Corneal opacity

Thyroid storm

Is a life-threatening thyrotoxicosis with multiorgan involvement that may include cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and central nervous system dysfunction

Testing overview

  • Thyroid function tests

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