Hyperthyroidism

Abstract

Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis is the clinical state of excessive serum concentrations of thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), or both coupled with suppressed levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In the United States, hyperthyroidism has an estimated prevalence of 1.2 %. Based purely on the biochemical profile, hyperthyroidism is identified as either “overt” or “subclinical.” Clinical signs and symptoms include nervousness, palpitations, flushing, weight loss, increased sweating, difficulty concentrating, and emotional liability. Patients with an exaggerated state of hyperthyroidism can present with the life-threatening condition known as “thyroid storm.” Signs and symptoms include fever, cardiac arrhythmias, circulatory shock, multiorgan failure, and are invariably fatal if left untreated.