Hashimoto Thyroiditis Questions & Answers

Updated: Feb 01, 2022
  • Author: Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: George T Griffing, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the physical findings characteristic of hypothyroidism in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Which lab values suggest Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What tests may be indicated to evaluate complications of hypothyroidism in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of fine needle aspiration in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the treatment of choice for Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the indications for surgery in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

How is Hashimoto thyroiditis characterized?

What is the historical background of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Which conditions are variants of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs)?

What is the pathogenesis of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Which antibodies are present in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Which nonthyroidal autoimmune diseases (NTADs) are associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the incidence of Hashimoto thyroiditis in the US?

What is the global incidence of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the sex- and age-related predilections of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the prognosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are complications of overreplacement of levothyroxine sodium in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What information about Hashimoto thyroiditis should patients be given?

Presentation

What is the clinical presentation of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are symptoms of hypothyroidism in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the physical findings of hypothyroidism in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

DDX

Which autoimmune phenomena may coexist with Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the differential diagnoses for Hashimoto Thyroiditis?

Workup

What is the role of thyroid function tests in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of iodine uptake and scan in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of fine-needle aspiration in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the histologic findings characteristic of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) testing in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of a free T4 test in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of a T3 test in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of thyroid antibodies in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of an ultrasonography in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of a complete blood count (CBC) in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What does a total and fractionated lipid profile indicate in the workup of complications of hypothyroidism relative to Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of a basic metabolic panel in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of creatine kinase testing in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the role of prolactin levels in the workup of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Which non-routine studies may be performed in the evaluation of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Treatment

What is the treatment for Hashimoto thyroiditis?

How should thyroid hormone replacement be administered to elderly patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis?

How is Hashimoto thyroiditis treated in patients who have undergone a bowel resection?

What is the role of combination therapy in the treatment of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Which specialist consultations is needed for the treatment of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the pathophysiology of Hashimoto thyroiditis during pregnancy?

How is Hashimoto thyroiditis managed during pregnancy?

What are the signs and symptoms of myxedema coma in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the precipitating causes of myxedema coma in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

How is myxedema coma treated in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What are the indications for surgery for the treatment of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What long-term monitoring is needed following treatment of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Medications

What is the treatment of choice for Hashimoto thyroiditis?

What is the goal of therapy in Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Which medication interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine during the treatment of Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Which medications in the drug class Thyroid Products are used in the treatment of Hashimoto Thyroiditis?