Which autoimmune form is associated with hyperthyroidism?

Which autoimmune form is associated with hyperthyroidism?

• A. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• B. Graves disease
• C. Basedow's disease
• D. Plummer disease

Answer: (B)

Autoimmune thyroid diseases can drive the thyroid in opposite directions. The form that causes hyperthyroidism happens when autoantibodies stimulate the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, pushing the gland to make more thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). This is Graves disease, the classic autoimmune hyperthyroid condition. Graves disease is sometimes called Basedow’s disease in some regions. It often presents with a diffusely enlarged thyroid and may include eye involvement (ophthalmopathy) and, less commonly, skin changes. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in contrast, is autoimmune but leads to hypothyroidism due to immune destruction of the gland. Plummer disease refers to toxic multinodular goiter, a non-autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism from autonomous nodules. So the autoimmune form associated with hyperthyroidism is Graves disease.

Autoimmune thyroid diseases can drive the thyroid in opposite directions. The form that causes hyperthyroidism happens when autoantibodies stimulate the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, pushing the gland to make more thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). This is Graves disease, the classic autoimmune hyperthyroid condition. Graves disease is sometimes called Basedow’s disease in some regions. It often presents with a diffusely enlarged thyroid and may include eye involvement (ophthalmopathy) and, less commonly, skin changes. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in contrast, is autoimmune but leads to hypothyroidism due to immune destruction of the gland. Plummer disease refers to toxic multinodular goiter, a non-autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism from autonomous nodules. So the autoimmune form associated with hyperthyroidism is Graves disease.