Hyperthyroidism (cont.)
Medical Author:
Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE
Coauthor:
Sonia Ananthakrishnan, MD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Hyperthyroidism DiagnosisCharacteristic symptoms and physical signs can suggest that hyperthyroidism may be present; however, laboratory evaluation is necessary to establish the diagnosis and cause of hyperthyroidism. Diagnostic lab tests performed on a blood sample include:
If lab tests indicate hyperthyroidism, imaging tests may be used to further determine the cause. Radioactive iodine thyroid scan-with either 123I or 99mTc. In this test if the patient's thyroid is scanned, they will swallow radioactive iodine or have an injection of 99mTc. The patient will then wait for the isotope to be taken up by the thyroid gland, and images will be taken to show the amount of isotope taken up by the thyroid.
Figure 1 Above: Radioactive iodine thyroid scan. Comparison between scans from the normal patient and a patient with Graves' disease. Note the overall increased uptake throughout the enlarged thyroid gland in a patient with Graves' disease.
Figure 2 Above: Radioactive iodine scan of a patient with toxic multinodular goiter. Note the patchy and darker appearance of the nodules that are producing excess amounts of thyroid hormone. Compare this to the normal scan shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 Above: Radioactive iodine scan of a patient with subacute thyroiditis during the hyperthyroid phase. Note that there is very little iodine uptake in the thyroid. This is due to inflammation of the thyroid causing release of stored thyroid hormone (causing elevated thyroid hormone levels in the blood) and reduced iodine uptake.
Viewer Comments & ReviewsHyperthyroidism - Symptoms ExperiencedThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:For hyperthyroidism, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced? Hyperthyroidism - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What Symptoms did you experience with hyperthyroidism? |
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Hyperthyroidism »
Thyrotoxicosis is the hypermetabolic condition associated with elevated levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), or both.
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