Tutorial 4 - Thyroid disorders

Question 1

What are the clinical features that support a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 1

Palpitations,
Weight loss,
Sweating,
Swelling in neck,
Tremor,
Tachycardia,
Thyroid gland moves when swallowing,
Family history (autoimmune)

Question 2

What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 2

Autoimmune
Graves' disease
Cancer of thyroid
Plumer's disease, 
Viral thyroiditis

Question 3

How do you test for thyroid function in hyperthyroidism and what would the test results show?

Answer 3

Blood test for thyroid function.

TSH - none as pituitary senses too much T3 and T4.
T3 and T4 - Very high

Question 4

What are the clinical features to support a diagnosis of hypothyroidism?

Answer 4

Constipation,
Cold,
Weight gain,
Longer period cycle (causes heavier periods)
Cant concentrate,
Increased BMI,
Low pulse.

Question 5

How would you test for hypothyroidism and what would the results show?

Answer 5

Blood test for thyroid function.

TSH - high (as pituitary senses no T3 and T4)
T3 and T4 - very low.