Endocrine system

Question 1

What to look for when assessing a lump on neck?

Hint 6s

Answer 1

Site, size, shape, smoothness(consistency), surface (contour/edge/colour), surroundings

Question 2

What are the 3 main signs of Graves’ disease?

Answer 2

1. Eye disease - exophthalmos (protruding eyes), ophthalmoplegia
2. Pretibial myxoedema
3. Thyroid acropachy - clubbing, painful finger and toe swelling, periosteal reaction in limb bones.

Question 3

What are the drugs associated with hypothyroidism?

Answer 3

Amiodarone (antiarrhythmic drug), lithium, anti-thyroid drug

Question 4

Define Graves’ Disease

Answer 4

1) It is an autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies that stimulate the TSH receptor, leading to excess secretion of thyroid hormones and hyperplasia of thyroid follicular cells, resulting in hyperthyroidism and diffuse goitre.