Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Abstract

This chapter explores several causes of hyperthyroidism and the approach to diagnosis and treatment. Although the majority of patients with hyperthyroidism have Graves’ disease, some do not. When a patient presents with hyperthyroidism and ophthalmopathy, the diagnosis of Graves’ disease is usually evident. However, many Graves’ patients do not have typical eye findings, such as proptosis and eye muscle dysfunction. In patients who present with hyperthyroid findings without ophthalmopathy, additional evaluation is often needed to establish the correct diagnosis. Entities such as silent thyroiditis, toxic nodular goiter, subacute thyroiditis, and toxic nodules must be considered in the differential diagnosis. The case discussions in this chapter will help you sort out these patients in the office and make the correct diagnosis. Finding the correct cause of the hyperthyroidism is critical to recommending appropriate treatment.