Graves' disease, multinodular goiter and subclinical hyperthyroidism

Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2019 Sep;80(4):240-249. doi: 10.1016/j.ando.2018.09.004. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Abstract

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a common clinical entity, defined by serum TSH below the reference range, with normal FT4 and FT3 levels in an asymptomatic patient. Whether or not subclinical hyperthyroidism should be treated remains a matter of debate. Cross-sectional and longitudinal population-based studies demonstrate association of subclinical hyperthyroidism with risk of atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis, and with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. However, there are no randomized clinical trials addressing whether long-term health outcomes are improved by treating subclinical hyperthyroidism; in the absence of evidence one way or the other, it seems appropriate to use decision trees taking account of TSH concentration and presence of risk factors (age>65 years or post-menopause, osteoporosis and cardiac disease).

Keywords: Goitre multinodulaire; Hyperthyroïdie infra-clinique; Multinodular goiter; Subclinical hyperthyroidism; TSH; Thyroid; Thyroïde.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asymptomatic Diseases
  • Atrial Fibrillation / epidemiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / etiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy
  • Goiter, Nodular* / complications
  • Goiter, Nodular* / epidemiology
  • Goiter, Nodular* / therapy
  • Graves Disease* / complications
  • Graves Disease* / epidemiology
  • Graves Disease* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism* / complications
  • Hyperthyroidism* / epidemiology
  • Hyperthyroidism* / therapy
  • Risk Factors