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Related Concept Videos

The Thyroid Gland01:23

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Goiter01:27

Goiter

Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...

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Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging
07:12

Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging

Published on: August 17, 2022

Hyperthyroidism and the impalpable thyroid gland.

R M Greenwood, J G Daly, R L Himsworth

    Clinical Endocrinology
    |May 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    In hyperthyroidism cases, the thyroid gland's palpability varies with age. An impalpable thyroid is common in elderly patients and does not rule out hyperthyroidism.

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    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Internal Medicine
    • Thyroidology

    Background:

    • Hyperthyroidism diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, including thyroid gland palpation.
    • Age significantly influences thyroid gland characteristics in hyperthyroid patients.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the palpability of the thyroid gland in a large cohort of hyperthyroidism patients.
    • To investigate the relationship between thyroid gland characteristics, age, and associated conditions like Graves' ophthalmopathy.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 594 unselected hyperthyroidism cases.
    • Clinical assessment of thyroid gland palpability (diffuse, nodular, impalpable).
    • Correlation with patient age, Graves' ophthalmopathy presence, and isotope scanning results.

    Main Results:

    • Thyroid gland was diffusely palpable in 63%, nodular in 19%, and impalpable in 16% of cases.
    • Diffuse glands were common in younger patients (<40 years), while nodular and impalpable glands increased with age (>70 years).
    • Graves' ophthalmopathy was less frequent in patients with nodular thyroids (1.5%) compared to diffuse (13%) or impalpable (12%) glands.

    Conclusions:

    • Thyroid gland palpability in hyperthyroidism is age-dependent.
    • An impalpable thyroid gland is common in elderly hyperthyroid patients and does not exclude the diagnosis.
    • Clinical assessment of thyroid gland characteristics correlates well with isotope scanning findings.