Goiter Diffuse Toxic (Graves-Bazedow disease)

A disease of the thyroid gland, characterized by hyperplasia and hyperfunction of the gland.

Etiology and pathogenesis: Hereditary factors, infections, intoxications, and mental trauma are important. The pathogenesis is based on a violation of immune surveillance, leading to the formation of autoantibodies that stimulate hyperfunction, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the gland.

Clinical manifestations are caused by an excess of thyroid hormones and their effect on metabolism, organs and tissues.

Symptoms and course: irritability, increased excitability, sleep disturbances, weakness, sweating, tremors, weight loss with preserved appetite. Enlarged thyroid gland. Exophthalmos, changes in the eyes.

Tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, heart failure are manifestations of the cardiovascular system. Dyspeptic symptoms, liver disorders. Muscle weakness, neurological disorders.

Diagnostics: blood tests, ultrasound, thyroid scintigraphy, antibody determination.

Treatment: thyreostatics (Mercazolil), beta blockers. If ineffective - surgical treatment, radioiodine therapy.