Toxic thyroid adenoma - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

A toxic thyroid adenoma is typically a single large thyroid nodule accompanied by clinical and biochemical hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis confirmed by thyroid scan demonstrating a hot area and suppression of extranodular thyroid tissue.
Hyperthyroidism caused by toxic adenomas generally does not remit.
Definitive treatment, such as radioactive iodine therapy or surgery, is usually required.
Complications of untreated toxic adenomas may include sequelae of hyperthyroidism such as cardiac dysfunction or bone loss, or tracheal compression by large nodules.

Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule suppressing contralateral gland on thyroid scan (SSN = suprasternal notch)

Arem R. Recurrent transient thyrotoxicosis in multinodular goitre. Postgrad Med J. 1990 Jan;66(771):54-6

Quick Reference

History & Exam
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Diagnostics Tests
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule suppressing contralateral gland on thyroid scan (SSN = suprasternal notch)
Thyroid scan showing variegated uptake in toxic multinodular goiter

Citations

Key Articles

Ross DS, Burch HB, Cooper DS, et al. 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines for diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid. 2016 Oct;26(10):1343-421.[Abstract][Full Text]
Gharib H, Papini E, Garber JR, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi medical guidelines for clinical practice for the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules - 2016 update. Endocr Pract. 2016 May;22(5):622-39.[Abstract][Full Text]
Haugen BR, Alexander EK, Bible KC, et al. 2015 American Thyroid Association management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer: the American Thyroid Association Guidelines Task Force on Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid. 2016 Jan;26(1):1-133.[Abstract][Full Text]

Other Online Resources

IGN: global scorecard of iodine nutrition in 2021

Referenced Articles

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