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How is Graves’ Disease Diagnosed and Evaluated?

Key Points

  • Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease and the most common etiology of hyperthyroidism.
  • A biochemical profile of hyperthyroidism should include measurement of free T3, free T4, and TSH levels.
  • Anti-thyroid antibodies can confirm the disease but are not required for diagnosis if both clinical and biochemical features are present.
  • Patients with Graves’ disease can have extrathyroid manifestations unrelated to thyrotoxicosis, such as ophthalmopathy and dermopathy.
  • The initial treatment of Graves’ disease is with anti-thyroid medications, such as thionamides, especially in young patients, during pregnancy, and in cases with ocular involvement. Beta-blockers can also be used to reduce adrenergically mediated symptoms. Steroids can be initiated in patients with orbital disease who undergo radioiodine ablative therapy.

References

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