Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 Grave’s Disease Grave's disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones. In this disorder, the immune system of the body produces antibodies to one part of the cells in the thyroid gland. This hormone is known as the thyrotropin receptor antibody, and is regulated by the pituitary gland. In the case of Grave's disease, this hormone overrides the regulation of the thyroid and produces excessive thyroid hormones. Signs and symptoms of Grave's disease include anxiety, irritation, tremor in the hands and fingers, increased sensitivity to heat, unintended weight loss, enlargement of the thyroid gland (otherwise known as a goiter), alterations in menstrual patterns, erectile dysfunction, frequent bowel movements, bulging eyes, and palpitations. Toxic Nodular Goiter Toxic nodular gland is a thyroid gland that is characterized by autonomous functioning of the thyroid nodules, leading to hyperthyroidism. Also known as Plummer's disease, it includes various diseases ranging from a single hyper-functioning nodule in a multi-nodular thyroid to glands with multiple hyper-functioning areas. In this disease, initially multiple individual nodules are formed, which lead to hemorrhage, degeneration, healing, and fibrosis. Signs and symptoms of toxic nodular gland include heat intolerance, palpitations, weight loss, tremor, frequent bowel movements, and a rise in hunger. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Hashimoto's disease is characterized by self-attack from the immune system of the thyroid gland. It leads to inflammation, known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, which causes hypothyroidism. The exact cause of this disorder is not known, but is likely to be influenced by a blend of factors, such as genetic disorders, sex, and age. Signs and symptoms of this disorder include sluggishness, fatigue, cold sensitivity, pale and dry skin, puffy face, hoarse voice, unintended weight gain, aches, stiffness and tenderness in muscles, weakness in the muscles, depression, and prolonged menstrual bleeding. Complications Resulting from T4/T3 Excess and Deficiency The changes in T3 and T4 hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, cause many complications. Complications of hyperthyroidism include heart problems like rapid heart rate, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure; bone problems, such as osteoporosis; eye problems such as bulging, red, or swollen eyes, high sensitivity to light, and blurred vision; skin disorders like redness and swelling to the shins and feet; and thyrotoxic crisis. In contrast, the complications of hypothyroidism are impaired heart functioning, slow mental functioning, peripheral neuropathy, myxedema, infertility, and birth defects. Hyperparathyroidism Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by the over-activity of one or more parathyroid glands, leading to an increase in the parathyroid hormone in the blood. These parathyroid glands, located in the neck, produce parathyroid hormones that help to regulate and maintain adequate levels of calcium in the Achieve Page 123