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Hypothyroidism

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The Thyroid and Its Diseases

Abstract

Overt primary hypothyroidism is characterized by a state of decreased circulating thyroid hormones associated with low FT4/TT4 (free and total thyroxine) and elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (thyrotropin). In this chapter, we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology of overt hypothyroidism. The clinical spectrum is presented according to the manifestations of hypothyroxinemia at each body system. The basis for laboratory diagnosis is discussed, as well as some pitfalls on the interpretation of TSH assays. Finally, we discuss peculiarities of the diagnosis of overt hypothyroidism in special situations, such as pregnancy, depression, and in the elderly. Treatment of overt hypothyroidism is discussed in a separate chapter.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, MD, USA

    Cristiane J. Gomes-Lima

  2. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Hyattsville, MD, USA

    Kenneth D. Burman

Authors
  1. Cristiane J. Gomes-Lima
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  2. Kenneth D. Burman
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Correspondence to Kenneth D. Burman .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany

    Markus Luster

  2. Unit of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Evgenidion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Leonidas H. Duntas

  3. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA

    Leonard Wartofsky

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Gomes-Lima, C.J., Burman, K.D. (2019). Hypothyroidism. In: Luster, M., Duntas, L., Wartofsky, L. (eds) The Thyroid and Its Diseases. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72102-6_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72102-6_16

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-72100-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-72102-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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