Study note
SurgeryThe thyroid gland

Graves’ disease: presentation and thyroid stimulation

THE CONTEXT
Graves’ disease is a diffuse toxic goitre producing the syndrome of primary thyrotoxicosis.

Clinical pattern

•
A diffuse vascular goitre appears at the same time as hyperthyroidism.
•
The disease usually occurs in younger women and is frequently associated with eye signs.
•
A family history of autoimmune endocrine diseases is present in 55% of patients.

Mechanism

•
The whole functioning thyroid tissue is involved.
•
Abnormal TSH-RAb bind to TSH receptor sites and produce a disproportionate, prolonged effect, causing thyroid hypertrophy and hyperplasia.
Explore this chapter
NEETx
Learn. Practise. Remember.
HomeSubjectsPapersStudy notesQuick quiz