Goitre is the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by lack of iodine, inflammation, or tumours. It is seen in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Endemic goitre is principally due to iodine deficiency and is more prevalent in women and in iodine-deficient regions. Sporadic goitre is not restricted to regions and can occur due to genetic defects or ingestion of substances that interfere with iodine absorption like certain foods or medications. Symptoms vary depending on whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is present. Treatment involves iodine supplementation, avoiding goitrogenic foods, using iodized salt,

1. ALIYA RAHMAN

2.  Defined as the enlargement of thyroid gland.
 Generally results from the lack of iodine,
inflammation, or tumours.
 Seen in both hyperthyroidsm and
hypothyroidsm.

3.  ENDEMIC GOITRE : principally due to iodine
deficiency. Twice seen in women than men.
Prevalent in iodine deficient areas such as
mid west , north west and Great lake regions
 SPORADIC GOITRE : not restricted to
regions. Occur due to genetic defects
resulting in faulty iodine mechanism,
ingestion of large amount of goitrogens (
cabbage, soyabeans, spinach), ingestion of
medical goitrogens (glucocorticoids,
dopamine or lithium)

4.  LACK OF IODINE
SUPPRESSION OF TSH PRODUCTION
THYROID ENLARGE IN AN ATTEMPT TO
COMPENSATE HORMONAL
INSUFFFICENCY.

5.  Reduced HR
 Reduced myocardial oxygen consumption
 Peripheral vascular disease
 Possible hypertension
 Hyper lipidemia
 Hyper cholestremia
 Anorexia
 Possible weight loss
 Constipation
 Reduced glucose uptake

6.  Slow movements
 Dry, coarse scalyskin
 Hair fall
 Thick brittle nails
 Expressionless face
 Periorbital edema
 Cold intolerance
 Reduced deep tendon reflex
 Slow deliberate speech
 Lethargy
 Menorraghia
 Anovulation
 Decreased libido and impotence

7.  Medical management: treated with iodine or
iodine preperation .Lugol’s solution or
pottasium iodide drops. Dietary goitrogens
avoided. Switch to use of iodised salt.
 Surgical management : subtotal
thyroidectomy