Thyroid Hormone Resistance N K Agrawal, R Goyal, a Rastogi, D Naik, S K Singh

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Thyroid Hormone Resistance N K Agrawal, R Goyal, a Rastogi, D Naik, S K Singh Downloaded from pmj.bmj.com on May 6, 2014 - Published by group.bmj.com Review Thyroid hormone resistance N K Agrawal, R Goyal, A Rastogi, D Naik, S K Singh Department of Endocrinology ABSTRACT or vice versa due to variable tissue resistance.2 The and Metabolism, Institute of Thyroid hormone resistance (THR) is a rare syndrome of euthyroid state is maintained by a compensatory Medical Sciences, Banaras reduced end organ sensitivity. Patients with THR have Hindu University, Varanasi, India increase in thyroid hormone concentrations. elevated serum free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine Pituitary thyroid hormone resistance (PTHR)—The Correspondence to: (FT3), but normal or slightly elevated serum thyrotropin patient presents with hyperthyroidism. The inap- Dr N K Agrawal, A-5 Krishna values. The characteristic clinical feature is goitre without propriately high pituitary TSH secretion causes Bag Apartments, N-1/69 C, Nagwa, Varanasi- 221005, India; symptoms and metabolic consequences of thyroid overproduction of T4 and T3, thus establishing a [email protected] hormone excess. THR can be classified on the basis of new equilibrium with high T4 and T3 together tissue resistance into pituitary, peripheral or generalised with a non-suppressed TSH. The signs and Received 12 March 2008 (both pituitary and peripheral) types. Mutations in the TRb symptoms are subjective; differentiating selective Accepted 29 June 2008 gene, cell membrane transporter and genes controlling pituitary resistance from generalised resistance can intracellular metabolism of thyroid hormone have been be difficult.2 implicated. THR is differentiated from thyroid stimulating Peripheral thyroid hormone resistance (PerTHR)—In hormone (TSH) secreting pituitary adenoma by history of this rare entity, the patient may present with THR in the family. No specific treatment is often required clinical hypothyroidism.45 The TSH value is for THR; patients with features of hypo- or hyperthyroid- normal. The sensitivity of peripheral tissues to ism are appropriately treated with levo-triiodothyronine (L- thyroid hormones is decreased relative to that of T3), levo-thyroxine (L-T4), dextro-thyroxine(D-T4) or 3,3,5 the pituitary. However, the distinction is unclear triiodo-thyroacetic acid (TRIAC). The diagnosis helps in as a variable degree of resistance can be found in appropriate genetic counselling of the family. pituitary and peripheral tissues of the same individual.6 Thyroid hormones regulate growth, basal meta- PATHOGENESIS bolic rate, myocardial contractility and functional a differentiation of the central nervous system. Their In humans there are two subtypes of TR, TR and b synthesis is stimulated by thyrotrophin releasing TR (encoded by genes on chromosomes 17 and 3, a hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone respectively) and three main isoforms: TR 1 (most (TSH), and suppressed by its negative feedback abundant in the central nervous system, myocar- b effect. Thyroid hormones act on the carboxy- dium, and skeletal muscle), TR 1 (predominant in b terminal domain of steroid nuclear receptors called liver and kidney), and TR 2 (highly expressed in thyroid receptors (TR), which bind to thyroid the pituitary and hypothalamus) generated by alternate splicing. response elements (TRE) located in the promoter 2 regions of target genes. Although TR can bind TRE The THR usually is dominantly inherited. The as a monomer or homodimer, it usually interacts current estimate of de novo mutation is approxi- b preferentially as a heterodimer with the retinoid X- mately 22.5% in which TR gene mutation is receptor (RXR). Many promoters are repressed or excluded in the parents. Recessive transmission is very rare and was clearly demonstrated only in the ‘‘silenced’’ by unliganded receptor; hormone bind- 3 ing results in relief of repression and ligand first family reported by Refetoff. dependent activation of gene transcription. THR phenotype can result from TR and non-TR Reduced end organ response to circulating thyroid defects. The TRb mutations have been strongly 7 hormones or thyroid hormone resistance (THR) associated with THR. Genetic studies in 300 was first recognised in 1967 by Refetoff.1 Many families with this syndrome showed 122 different patients and families have since been identified. point mutations or frame shift mutations (inser- The present review highlights the classification, tions and deletions) localised to three mutation pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treat- clusters within the hormone binding domain of the ment for THR, with a view to enable appropriate receptor, except one which was having complete b 8 genetic counselling. deletion of the TR gene. Affected individuals are heterozygous for mutations in the TRb gene; this occurs in approximately 10% of sporadic cases. The CLASSIFICATION same receptor mutation can result in PTHR in THR is characterised by elevated concentrations of some individuals and GTHR in others within a 9 free thyroxine (FT4) and free tri-iodothyronine single family or unrelated kindreds. Another (FT3), with inappropriately normal thyrotropin reported family had the father with mosaicism in (TSH). On the basis of tissue response to thyroid some cell lineages, including his germline for hormones, THR has been classified into general- R338W mutation, but not in the fibroblasts. This ised, pituitary and peripheral resistance.23 mosaicism is without apparent TRb gene muta- Generalised thyroid hormone resistance (GTHR)— tions.10 In a few cases there may be limited The patient is clinically euthyroid. There may be expression of somatic TRb1 mutation which is low IQ without an effect on bone (normal stature) undetectable in peripheral blood leucocyte DNA. Postgrad Med J 2008;84:473–477. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2008.069740 473 Downloaded from pmj.bmj.com on May 6, 2014 - Published by group.bmj.com Review THR phenotype could also result from non-TRb defects. In mutations elude discovery by lacking dominant negative activity, some families or sporadic cases, mutations in TR locus have therefore being clinically and biochemically silent. The ability to been excluded, raising the possibility of new, non-receptor exert a dominant negative effect within the hypothalamic– mechanisms to produce THR phenotype called non-TR THR.11 pituitary–thyroid axis is a key property of mutant TRs which So far 29 affected subjects from 23 different families have been characteristically generates abnormal thyroid function tests, identified.312 They are clinically similar to subjects with TRb leading to the identification of the disorder. gene mutations but have a high female-to-male ratio (2.5:1) and 3 high prevalence of sporadic cases. Genetic and clinical studies CLINICAL FEATURES have highlighted two novel defects giving rise to THR. The first THR was first described in two clinically euthyroid siblings one involves transport of thyroid hormone and the second with high circulating thyroid hormone concentrations and other defect lies in its intracellular metabolism (SECISBP2 gene abnormalities including deaf mutism, delayed bone maturation, 13 mutation affecting synthesis of selenoproteins). The psycho- stippled femoral epiphyses, short stature, dysmorphic facies, motor abnormalities in males have been associated with X winging of the scapulae and pectus carinatum.1 In some cases, 14 15 linked monocarboxylate transporters (MCT8) mutation. hypothyroid features such as growth retardation, delayed The location of an abnormality in the hormone binding dentition or bone age occurred in children, whereas in adults domain of the mutant receptor determines the strength of T3 fatigue and hypercholesterolaemia may coexist with thyrotoxic binding affinity to the receptor and its ability to activate or symptoms in the same individual. Nevertheless, the presence or repress target genes. A subset of receptor mutations that involve absence of thyrotoxic symptoms, suggesting either generalised residues critical for mediating TRb interaction with co- or pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone, is a useful guide to activators result in notably reduced transcriptional function treatment. with normal hormone binding. The prevalence of THR is approximately 1 in 40 000.6 Table 1 In the first documented family with THR, which was enumerates the clinical features and their frequency of recessively inherited, the two affected siblings were homozy- occurrence. 16 gous for complete deletion of the TRb receptor gene. The clinical phenotypes may be attributable to variable Significantly, their heterozygous parents harbouring a deletion peripheral resistance in different individuals, as well as in of one TRb allele were completely normal. In the dominantly different tissues within a single subject. This may be due to inherited THR, mutant receptors are not only functionally variable distribution of TR isoforms in different tissues. As impaired but can also cause inhibition of wild type receptor hypothalamus, pituitary and liver express predominantly TRb 17 (dominant negative inhibition). A case of compound effect of whereas TRa is mainly expressed in the myocardium, TRb two dominant negative mutant receptors has been reported in a mutations are likely to be associated with pituitary and liver child with severe biochemical resistance, pronounced develop- resistance, as exemplified by normal sex hormone binding mental delay, growth retardation, and cardiac hyperthyroidism globulin (SHBG) and non-suppressed TSH concentrations with which was fatal due to heart failure following
Recommended publications
  • Management of Graves Disease:€€A Review
    Clinical Review & Education Review Management of Graves Disease A Review Henry B. Burch, MD; David S. Cooper, MD Author Audio Interview at IMPORTANCE Graves disease is the most common cause of persistent hyperthyroidism in adults. jama.com Approximately 3% of women and 0.5% of men will develop Graves disease during their lifetime. Supplemental content at jama.com OBSERVATIONS We searched PubMed and the Cochrane database for English-language studies CME Quiz at published from June 2000 through October 5, 2015. Thirteen randomized clinical trials, 5 sys- jamanetworkcme.com and tematic reviews and meta-analyses, and 52 observational studies were included in this review. CME Questions page 2559 Patients with Graves disease may be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine (RAI), or surgery (near-total thyroidectomy). The optimal approach depends on patient preference, geog- raphy, and clinical factors. A 12- to 18-month course of antithyroid drugs may lead to a remission in approximately 50% of patients but can cause potentially significant (albeit rare) adverse reac- tions, including agranulocytosis and hepatotoxicity. Adverse reactions typically occur within the first 90 days of therapy. Treating Graves disease with RAI and surgery result in gland destruction or removal, necessitating life-long levothyroxine replacement. Use of RAI has also been associ- ated with the development or worsening of thyroid eye disease in approximately 15% to 20% of patients. Surgery is favored in patients with concomitant suspicious or malignant thyroid nodules, coexisting hyperparathyroidism, and in patients with large goiters or moderate to severe thyroid Author Affiliations: Endocrinology eye disease who cannot be treated using antithyroid drugs.
    [Show full text]
  • Feline Hyperthyroidism
    Feline Hyperthyroidism Sponsored by Feline Hyperthyroidism Feline hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in middle-aged to left) are advanced. Blood testing and older cats. It occurs in about 10 percent of feline patients over 10 years of age. can reveal elevation of thyroid Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by an overactive thyroid gland that secretes hormones to establish a diagnosis excess thyroid hormone. Cats typically have two thyroid glands, one gland on of hyperthyroidism. Occasionally, each side of the neck. One or both glands may be affected. The excess thyroid additional diagnostics may be hormone causes an overactive metabolism that stresses the heart, digestive tract, required to confirm the diagnosis. and many other organ systems. Because hyperthyroidism can occur along with other medical conditions, If your veterinarian diagnoses your cat with hyperthyroidism, your cat should and it affects other organs, a receive some form of treatment to control the clinical signs. Many cats that are comprehensive screening of your diagnosed early can be treated successfully. When hyperthyroidism goes untreated, Cat years prior to developing the disease Same cat with hyperthyroidism cat’s heart, kidneys, and other clinical signs will progress leading to marked weight loss and serious complications organ systems is imperative. due to damage to the cat’s heart, kidneys, and other organ systems. MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OPTIONS CLINICAL SIGNS If your veterinarian diagnoses your cat with hyperthyroidism, he or she will discuss If you observe any of the following behaviors or problems in your cat, contact and recommend treatment options for your cat. Four common treatments for feline your veterinarian because the information may alert them to the possibility that hyperthyroidism are available and each has advantages and disadvantages.
    [Show full text]
  • Thyroid Nodules Update in Diagnosis and Management Shrikant Tamhane1* and Hossein Gharib2,3
    Tamhane and Gharib Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology (2015) 1:11 DOI 10.1186/s40842-015-0011-7 REVIEW ARTICLE Open Access Thyroid nodules update in diagnosis and management Shrikant Tamhane1* and Hossein Gharib2,3 Abstract Thyroid nodules are very common. With widespread use of sensitive imaging in clinical practice, incidental thyroid nodules are being discovered with increasing frequency. Their clinical importance is primarily related to the need to exclude malignancy (4.0 to 6.5 percent of all thyroid nodules), assess for their functional status and any pressure symptoms caused by them. New Molecular tests are marketed for the assessment of thyroid nodules for the presence of cancer. The high prevalence of thyroid nodules requires evidence-based rational strategies for their differential diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment, and follow-up. This review addresses advances and controversies in thyroid nodule evaluation, including the new molecular tests, and their management considering the current guidelines and supporting evidence. Keywords: Thyroid, Thyroid Nodules, Molecular markers, Benign, Malignant, FNA, Management, Ultrasonography Introduction disorders, benign and malignant can cause thyroid nod- Thyroid nodule is a discrete lesion within the thyroid ules (Table 1) [1, 5]. gland that is radiologically distinct from the surrounding Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is the most accur- thyroid parenchyma. Thyroid nodules are common. ate method for evaluating thyroid nodules and helps to They are discovered as an accidental finding by a pa- identify patients who require surgical resection [6]. If a tient, or as an incidental finding during a routine phys- serum TSH is normal or elevated, and the nodule meets ical examination in 3 to 7 % [1] or by a radiologic criteria for sampling, the next step in the evaluation of a procedure: 67 % with ultrasonography (US) imaging, thyroid nodule is a FNA biopsy.
    [Show full text]
  • Thyroid Nodules MARY JO WELKER, M.D., and DIANE ORLOV, M.S., C.N.P
    PRACTICAL THERAPEUTICS Thyroid Nodules MARY JO WELKER, M.D., and DIANE ORLOV, M.S., C.N.P. Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, Columbus, Ohio Palpable thyroid nodules occur in 4 to 7 percent of the population, but nodules found incidentally on ultrasonography suggest a prevalence of 19 to 67 percent. The major- O A patient informa- ity of thyroid nodules are asymptomatic. Because about 5 percent of all palpable nod- tion handout on thy- roid nodules, written ules are found to be malignant, the main objective of evaluating thyroid nodules is to by the authors of this exclude malignancy. Laboratory evaluation, including a thyroid-stimulating hormone article, is provided on test, can help differentiate a thyrotoxic nodule from an euthyroid nodule. In euthyroid page 573. patients with a nodule, fine-needle aspiration should be performed, and radionuclide scanning should be reserved for patients with indeterminate cytology or thyrotoxico- sis. Insufficient specimens from fine-needle aspiration decrease when ultrasound guidance is used. Surgery is the primary treatment for malignant lesions, and the extent of surgery depends on the extent and type of disease. Ablation by postopera- tive radioactive iodine is done for high-risk patients—identified as those with metasta- tic or residual disease. While suppressive therapy with thyroxine is frequently used postoperatively for malignant lesions, its use for management of benign solitary thy- roid nodules remains controversial. (Am Fam Physician 2003;67:559-66,573-4. Copy- right© 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians.) Members of various thyroid nodule is a palpable jects 19 to 50 years of age had an incidental family practice depart- swelling in a thyroid gland with nodule on ultrasonography.
    [Show full text]
  • Thyroid Disease
    Thyroid Disease Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid (a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck) does not produce the right amount of thyroid hormone. These hormones control how your body uses energy. If you are feeling fatigued, notice skin or hair changes, or have hoarseness or pain, your doctor may conduct a physical exam and order blood tests. If these tests indicate a problem, your doctor may order thyroid scan and uptake, thyroid biopsy, or imaging tests to help diagnose and evaluate a thyroid condition. Treatment will depend on the specific nature of your thyroid condition and its underlying cause. What is thyroid disease? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that wraps around your windpipe (trachea). The two halves of the thyroid gland are connected in the middle by a thin layer of tissue known as the isthmus. The thyroid gland uses iodine (mostly absorbed from food) to produce hormones that control how your body uses energy. Nearly every organ in the body is affected by the function of the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus, an area at the base of the brain, control the rate at which the thyroid produces and releases these hormones. The main function of the thyroid gland is to release a hormone called thyroxine or T4, which is converted into a hormone called T3. Both of these hormones circulate in the bloodstream and help regulate your metabolism. The amount of T4 produced by the thyroid gland is determined by a hormone produced by the pituitary gland called TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone.
    [Show full text]
  • Endocrine Emergencies
    Endocrine Emergencies • Neuroendocrine response to Critical illness • Thyroid storm/Myxedema Coma • Adrenal Crisis/Sepsis • Hyper/Hypocalcemia • Hypoglycemia • Hyper and Hyponatremia • Pheochromocytoma crises CASE 76 year old man presents with urosepsis and is Admitted to MICU. He has chronic renal insufficiency. During his hospital course, he is intubated and treated With dopamine. Thyroid studies are performed for Inability to wean from ventilator. What labs do you want? Assessment of Thyroid Function • Hormone Levels: Total T4, Total T3 • Binding proteins: TBG, (T3*) Resin uptake • Free Hormone Levels: TSH, F T4, F T3, Free Thyroid Index, F T4 by Eq Dialysis • Radioactive Iodine uptake (RAIU); primarily for DDx of hyperthyroidism • Thyroid antibodies; TPO, Anti-Thyroglobulin, Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins, Th receptor antibodies Labs: T4 2.4 ug/dl (5-12) T3U 40% (25-35) FTI 1.0 (1.2-4.2) FT4 0.6 (0.8-1.8) TSH 0.2 uU/ml (.4-5.0) Non-thyroidal illness • Hypothesis: NTI vs 2° Hypothyroidism –RT3 ↑ in NTI and ↓ in Hypothyroidism • Hypothesis: NTI vs Hyperthyroidism – TT3 ↓ in NTI and in ↑ Hyperthyroidism • 75 year old woman with history of hypothyroidism is found unresponsive in her home during a cold spell in houston. No heat in the home. • Exam: T° 95, BP 100/60, P 50, RR 8 • Periorbital edema, neck scar, no rub or gallop, distant heart sounds, crackles at bases, peripheral edema • ECG: Decreased voltage, runs of Torsade de pointes • Labs? Imaging? • CXR: cardiomegaly • Glucose 50 • Na+ 120, K+ 4, Cl 80, HCO3¯ 30 • BUN 30 Creat 1.4 • ABG: pH 7.25, PCO2 75, PO2 80 • CK 600 • Thyroid studies pending • Management: Manifestations of Myxedema Coma • Precipitated by infection, iatrogenic (surgery, sedation, diuretics) • Low thyroid studies • Hypothermia • Altered mental status • Hyponatremia • ↑pCO2 • ↑CK • ↑Catecholamines with ↑vascular resistance • Cardiac: low voltage, Pericardial effusion, impaired relaxation with ↓C.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Hyperthyroidism: a Guide for Families
    Pediatric Endocrinology Fact Sheet Hyperthyroidism: A Guide for Families What is hyperthyroidism? roidism, free T4 and T3 are very elevated, and the TSH level Hyperthyroidism refers to a disease in which there is ex- is extremely low. cessive amount of thyroid hormone in the blood. This is gen- erally caused by overproduction or release of thyroid hormone What is the treatment of hyperthyroidism? by the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is more common in Antithyroid medications the adolescent age group, and is more frequent in girls than The most common method of treatment of hyperthy- boys. However, it can also be found in younger children of roidism is administration of antithyroid medication, which both sexes. stops the thyroid gland from making and releasing thyroid hormone. The drug of choice is methimazole. Another an- What causes hyperthyroidism? tithyroid medication, propylthiouracil (PTU), is not used The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ often in children, because it is associated with more frequent disease, or autoimmune hyperthyroidism. In this situation, serious side effects. Methimazole can be associated with side a person’s immune system makes antibodies that stimulate effects including an itchy skin rash (hives), and rarely joint the thyroid gland to become overactive. Over time, this leads and muscle pains and aches, jaundice (skin and eye yellowing to enlargement of the thyroid gland, which produces excessive from a liver problem), and a low white blood cell count, which amounts of thyroid hormone. Often, Graves’ disease, like might make it hard to fight infection. If one of these side other autoimmune thyroid disease, runs in families.
    [Show full text]
  • Hyperthyroidism in Adults: Variable Clinical Presentations and Approaches to Diagnosis
    J Am Board Fam Pract: first published as 10.3122/jabfm.8.2.109 on 1 March 1995. Downloaded from Hyperthyroidism In Adults: Variable Clinical Presentations And Approaches To Diagnosis Paul B. Knudson, MD Background: Hyperthyroidism is a disease that has various symptoms and can present in many ways. In the elderly patient hyperthyroidism often is not expressed in the classical manner. Acase report of a middle-aged man who had hyperthyroidism with only one symptom is detailed. Methods: Aliterature review utilizing MEDLINE files from 1988 to the present, as well as current textbooks of medicine and endocrinology, was used to prepare this report. Keywords for the search were "hyperthyroidism," "symptoms," "unintentional weight loss," and "differential diagnosis." Results and Conclusions: The clinical presentation of hyperthyroidism can vary from almost asymptomatic to apathetic in appearance to a marked hyperdynamic physiologic response. Family physicians must be well informed of this variation in disease expression. Overlooking the diagnosis of this relatively easily treated condition can be detrimental to patient care and expensive. (J Am Board Fam Pract 1995; 8:109-13.) Thyroid dysfunction is important to understand amounts of sweating, heat intolerance, palpita­ because it occurs often. The incidence of hypo­ tions, dyspnea, fatigue, weight loss, and various eye thyroidism when looked for in large elderly complaints. Common signs of hyperthyroidism populations varies up to 17 percent. Women are include thyroid gland enlargement and a thyroid affected more often than men, and subclinical bruit, exophthalmos, lid lag, tremor, tachycardia, disease is very common. Hyperthyroidism is also hyperkinetic muscular activity, and warm moist common but much less so than hypothyroidism, hands.
    [Show full text]
  • Toxic Nodule and Toxic Multinodular Goiter
    AMERICAN THYROID ASSOCIATION® www.thyroid.org Toxic Nodule and Toxic Multinodular Goiter WHAT IS THE THYROID GLAND? HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made on the basis that is normally located in the lower front of the neck. of symptoms and physical exam findings, and it is The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormones, which are confirmed by laboratory tests showing excess thyroid secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue hormones (see the Hyperthyroidism brochure). In in the body. Thyroid hormones help the body use energy, hyperthyroidism, there is a high level of thyroid hormone stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other in the blood plus a low level of TSH. Once the diagnosis organs working as they should. of hyperthyroidism is made, a thyroid scan can be performed. This test uses radioactive iodine to show WHAT IS A TOXIC NODULE OR TOXIC where the thyroid is functioning. A toxic nodule appears a single area of overactivity and a toxic multinodular MULTINODULAR GOITER? goiter has multiple areas. A thyroid ultrasound can Toxic nodule or toxic multinodular goiter refers to also be used to better evaluate the presence of thyroid one or more nodules (typically benign growths) in nodules. the thyroid gland that make thyroid hormone without responding to the signal to keep thyroid hormone HOW ARE TOXIC NODULE AND TOXIC balanced. The end result is that too much thyroid MULTINODULAR GOITER TREATED? hormone can be produced and released into the bloodstream, resulting in hyperthyroidism.
    [Show full text]
  • Thyroid Emergencies
    The Art and Science of Infusion Nursing Angela M. Leung , MD, MSc Thyroid Emergencies cal manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatments of ABSTRACT hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, both in the Myxedema coma and thyroid storm are thyroid nonacute and life-threatening forms of these diseases. emergencies associated with increased mortality. Prompt recognition of these states—which repre- sent the severe, life-threatening conditions of THYROID HORMONE PRODUCTION AND METABOLISM extremely reduced or elevated circulating thyroid hormone concentrations, respectively—is neces- sary to initiate treatment. Management of myxe- The normal physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary- dema coma and thyroid storm requires both med- thyroid axis involves the production of T4 and T3 by the thyroid gland, a process that is regulated by thyroid- ical and supportive therapies and should be treated stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the pituitary, in an intensive care unit setting. which is, in turn, regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hor- Key words: hypothyroidism , hyperthyroidism , mone (TRH) secreted by the hypothalamus. Both serum ICU , myxedema coma , thyroid emergencies , T4 and T3 concentrations act as negative feedback regu- thyroid storm lators of TSH and TRH secretion, but can be altered by environmental conditions—including food availability he thyroid is a 15- to 20-gram gland located and temperature—and disease states, such as infection. 1 in the anterior neck. It is responsible for the Thyroid hormone synthesis is achieved first through production of the thyroid hormones T4 (thy- active transport of circulating iodide, which is taken in roxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). Various from the diet, by the sodium/iodide symporter located at factors can affect thyroid hormone synthesis, the basolateral membrane of the thyroid follicular cell.
    [Show full text]
  • Hashitoxicosis – Three Cases and a Review of the Literature
    Thyroid Disorders Hashitoxicosis – Three Cases and a Review of the Literature a report by Igor Alexander Harsch, Eckhart Georg Hahn and Deike Strobel Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine 1, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg DOI:10.17925/EE.2008.04.00.70 In young hyperthyroid patients, Graves’ disease is the most likely In our first case, a 29-year-old male patient, the diagnosis of explanation for the patient’s symptoms; however, there are other hyperthyroidism (in his and the following cases with elevated free reasons that have to be considered. A hyperthyroid metabolic state triiodothyronine 3 [fT3], free thyroxine 4 [fT4] and suppressed TSH) can also be caused by thyroid cell inflammation and destruction. As was established in March 2008 due to tachycardia. From a thyroid cells die, their stored supplies of thyroid hormone are released retrospective viewpoint, prodromi such as tremors, petulance and into the blood circulation. These bursts of thyroid hormones are restlessness had occurred two months earlier. The autoantibody profile responsible for the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This ‘leakage’ was anti-Tg 116U/ml (<60), anti-TPO 69U/ml (<60) and TSH-receptor- phenomenon has nothing to do with the stimulation of the thyroid- directed immunoassay kit test (TRAK)-negative. Thyroglobin was stimulating hormone (TSH)-receptor typical of Graves’ disease. It can elevated at 106ng/ml (<1). occur in post-partum thyroiditis, ‘silent thyroiditis’, thyroiditis de Quervain and the initial ‘active’ state of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thyrostatic therapy had been initiated immediately after the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and before the autoantibodies were available. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease first described by Euthyroidism was established after two weeks and the thionamides Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912.1 Antibodies against thyroid peroxidase – were withdrawn one week later.
    [Show full text]
  • Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and Treatment IGOR KRAVETS, MD, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
    Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and Treatment IGOR KRAVETS, MD, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York Hyperthyroidism is an excessive concentration of thyroid hormones in tissues caused by increased synthesis of thyroid hormones, exces- sive release of preformed thyroid hormones, or an endogenous or exogenous extrathyroidal source. The most common causes of an excessive production of thyroid hormones are Graves disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and toxic adenoma. The most common cause of an excessive passive release of thyroid hormones is painless (silent) thyroiditis, although its clinical presentation is the same as with other causes. Hyperthyroidism caused by overproduction of thyroid hor- mones can be treated with antithyroid medications (methimazole and propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine ablation of the thyroid gland, or surgical thyroidectomy. Radioactive iodine ablation is the most widely used treatment in the United States. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis, the presence of contraindications to a particular treatment modality, the severity of hyperthyroidism, and the patient’s preference. (Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(5):363-370. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Family Physicians.) ILLUSTRATION TODD BY BUCK More online yperthyroidism is an excessive cells that leads to a somatic activating muta- at http://www. concentration of thyroid hor- tion of TSH receptors.4 A single nodule is aafp.org/afp. mones in tissues causing a char- called a toxic adenoma (Plummer disease). CME This clinical content acteristic clinical state. In the In contrast with these three disorders, conforms to AAFP criteria HUnited States, the overall prevalence of hyper- painless or transient (silent) thyroiditis for continuing medical education (CME).
    [Show full text]