Hyperthyroidism: diagnosis and treatment

The clinical diagnosis in cases of suspected hyperthyroidism is very valuable. Laboratory diagnosis rests largely on measurements of circulating thyroid hormones, with radio-iodine studies playing only a minor part. No one test is infallible and some understanding of basic physiological considerations is essential if serious errors are to be avoided. The choice of treatment plan is logically-based, but should take into account the quality of available services.