Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Toxic nodular goiter

Toxic multinodular goiter; Plummer disease; Thyrotoxicosis - nodular goiter; Overactive thyroid - toxic nodular goiter; Hyperthyroidism - toxic nodular goiter; Toxic multinodular goiter; MNG

 

Toxic nodular goiter involves an enlarged thyroid gland. The gland contains areas that have increased in size and formed nodules. One or more of these nodules produce too much thyroid hormone.

Causes

 

Toxic nodular goiter starts from an existing simple goiter . It occurs most often in older adults. Risk factors include being female and over 55 years old. This disorder is rare in children. Most people who develop it have had a goiter with nodules for many years.

Sometimes, people with toxic multinodular goiter will develop high thyroid levels for the first time. This mostly occurs after they take in a large amount of iodine through a vein (intravenously) or by mouth. The iodine may be used as contrast for a CT scan or heart catheterization . Taking medicines that contain iodine, such as amiodarone, may also lead to the disorder.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms are the same as those of an overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism ). However, the bulging eyeballs seen in Graves disease do not occur.

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Heat intolerance
  • Increased appetite
  • Increased sweating
  • Irregular menstrual period (in women)
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Weight loss

 

Exams and Tests

 

A physical examination will show 1 or many nodules in the thyroid. There may be a rapid heart rate .

Other tests that may be done include:

  • Serum thyroid hormone levels ( T3 , T4 )
  • Serum TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
  • Thyroid uptake and scan or radioactive iodine uptake
  • Thyroid ultrasound

 

Treatment

 

Beta-blockers (propranolol) can control some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism until thyroid hormone levels in the body are under control.

Certain drugs can block or change how the thyroid gland uses iodine. These drugs may be used to control the overactive thyroid gland in any of the following cases:

  • Before surgery or radioiodine therapy occurs
  • As a long term treatment

Radioiodine therapy may be used. Radioactive iodine is given by mouth. It then concentrates in the overactive thyroid tissue and causes damage. Some people, but not all, may need to take thyroid replacement afterwards.

Surgery to remove the thyroid may be done when:

  • Very large goiter or a goiter is causing symptoms by blocking the airway
  • Thyroid cancer is present
  • Rapid treatment is needed

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Toxic nodular goiter is mainly a disease of older adults, so other chronic health problems may affect the outcome of this condition. An older adult may be less able to tolerate the effect of the disease on the heart. However, the condition is often treatable with medicines.

 

Possible Complications

 

Heart complications:

  • Heart failure
  • Irregular heartbeat ( atrial fibrillation )
  • Rapid heart rate

Other complications:

  • Bone loss leading to osteoporosis

Thyroid crisis or storm is an acute worsening of hyperthyroidism symptoms. It may occur with infection or stress . Thyroid crisis may cause:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased mental alertness
  • Fever

People with this condition need to go to the hospital right away.

Complications of having a very large goiter may include difficulty breathing or swallowing. These complications are due to pressure on the airway passage (trachea) or esophagus, which lies behind the thyroid.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder. Follow the provider's instructions for follow-up visits.

 

Prevention

 

To prevent toxic nodular goiter, treat hyperthyroidism and simple goiter as your provider suggests.

 

 

Open References

References

Hegedus L, Paschke R, Krohn K, Bonnema SJ. Multinodular goiter. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 90.

Kim M, Ladenson PW. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 226.

Kopp P. Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and other causes of thyrotoxicosis. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 85.

 
  • Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan

    Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan - illustration

    This image shows enlargement of the thyroid gland and extension down behind the breastbone (retrosternal space). The image, called a scintiscan, was generated using a radioactive isotope.

    Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan

    illustration

  • Thyroid gland

    Thyroid gland - illustration

    The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.

    Thyroid gland

    illustration

    • Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan

      Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan - illustration

      This image shows enlargement of the thyroid gland and extension down behind the breastbone (retrosternal space). The image, called a scintiscan, was generated using a radioactive isotope.

      Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan

      illustration

    • Thyroid gland

      Thyroid gland - illustration

      The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.

      Thyroid gland

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Tests for Toxic nodular goiter

       
       

      Review Date: 2/3/2016

      Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

       
       
       

       

       

      A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



      Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.