Total thyroidectomy in Basedow-Graves' disease treatment: our experience

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Basedow-Graves' disease, also known as toxic multinodular goiter, is a significant autoimmune disorder.
• Current understanding links its etiology to autoimmune processes, potentially triggered by viral agents.
• Genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in the development of the disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical context and current understanding of Basedow-Graves' disease.
• To present a case study of patients diagnosed and treated over five years.
• To evaluate the efficacy of total thyroidectomy as a primary treatment modality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a five-year case study.
• Review of literature on Basedow-Graves' disease etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Clinical assessment of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Main Results:

• Identified potential viral triggers, including Coxsackie B and HTLV-II, in initiating autoimmune responses.
• Confirmed the link between genetic predisposition, viral agents, and autoantibody production.
• Demonstrated successful treatment outcomes with total thyroidectomy in euthyroid patients.

Conclusions:

• Total thyroidectomy is the treatment of choice for Basedow-Graves' disease.
• Preoperative preparation to achieve euthyroidism is essential for successful surgical outcomes.
• Further research into viral triggers could elucidate disease pathogenesis and inform novel therapeutic strategies.