Toxic Multinodular Goitre

Abstract

Toxic multinodular goitre can develop from a nontoxic multinodular goitre, which frequently arises in a thyroid that has enlarged due to hyperplasia of the follicular epithelium. The best known cause of multinodular goitre is iodine deficiency. Consequently, from a global perspective, this form of goitre is more prevalent in iodine-deficient regions. Multinodular goitre is, however, also common in areas with good availability of iodine. In these cases, the cause is more difficult to understand, but genetic mechanisms may have a role to play, as illustrated by the familial occurrence of the disease.