Authors: Mshelia-Reng R, Adediran O
Abstract
Graves’s disease (GD) is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is an autoimmune disorder marked by the presence of TSH receptor auto-antibody. GD can occur at any age, but peak incidence is seen between 20-50 years during adulthood. Graves’ disease is more commonly seen in females. The thyroid gland is primarily affected by the disease, but other organ systems are also affected, such as muscle, heart, liver, skin and eye. Symptoms and signs arise from hyperthyroidism or as a consequence of underlying autoimmunity. Heat intolerance, fatigue, palpitation, weight loss and tremor are the most common presentation. Younger patients with thyrotoxicosis tend to present with diffuse goitre more frequently, than older patients. Graves’ ophthalmopathy and pretibial myxedema are extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves’ disease resulting from underlying autoimmunity. Antithyroid drugs, radioiodine therapy and surgery remain the options available for GD. This review aims to summarise GD presentation, diagnosis and management.
Keywords: Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease.