Overview
The thyroid gland produces, stores, and secretes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) through a negative feedback process involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Thyroid dysfunction can result when any part of this process is affected. Accurate interpretation of thyroid function test is essential looking mainly at high or low TSH and free thyroid hormone levels
- Graves Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Goitre and Nodules
- Thyroiditis
- Thyroid Tumours
Investigations
- Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T3, T4)
- Antibody Screen
| Antibodies in Autoimmune thyroid disease | |||
| Conditions | Anti-TPO | Antithyroglobulin | TSH receptor antibody |
| Grave’s Disease | 70-80% | 30-50% | 70-100% |
| Hashimoto’s Disease | 95% | 60% | 10-20% |
- Scintiscanning
- Ultrasound
- Fine needle aspiration
- CT
Side note
Scintiscanning enables localization of sites of accumulation of radioiodine or sodium pertechnetate [99mTc], which gives information about the activity of the iodine trap. This can help assess hypo or hyperthyroid function. It can be useful to differentiate among causes of thyrotoxicosis. It may also provide information about the size and shape of the thyroid gland.
Discussion