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Alternative Names Return to top
Diffuse thyrotoxic goiterDefinition Return to top
Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
Causes Return to top
The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. This gland releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control body metabolism. Controlling metabolism is critical for regulating mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels.
If the body makes too much thyroid hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. (An underactive thyroid leads to hypothyroidism.)
Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an abnormal immune system response that attacks the thyroid gland, and it causes too much production of thyroid hormones. Graves disease is most common in women over age 20. However, the disorder may occur at any age and may affect men as well.
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
Physical examination shows an increased heart rate. Examination of the neck may show that the thyroid gland is enlarged (goiter).
Other tests include:
This disease may also affect the following test results:
Treatment Return to top
The purpose of treatment is to control the overactivity of the thyroid gland. Beta-blockers such as propranolol are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism is controlled. Hyperthyroidism is treated with:
If you have radiation and surgery, you will need to take replacement thyroid hormones for the rest of your life, because these treatments destroy or remove the gland.
The eye problems related to Graves disease usually improve when hyperthyroidism is treated with medications, radiation, or surgery. Radioactive iodine can sometimes make eye problems worse. Eye problems are worse in people who smoke, even after the hyperthyroidism is cured.
Sometimes prednisone (a steroid medication that suppresses the immune system) is needed to reduce eye irritation and swelling.
You may need to tape your eyes closed at night to prevent drying. Sunglasses and eyedrops may reduce eye irritation. Rarely, surgery may be needed to return the eyes to their normal position.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Graves disease often responds well to treatment. However, thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine usually will cause hypothyroidism. Without getting the correct dose of thyroid hormone replacement, hypothyroidism can lead to:
Antithyroid medications can also have serious side effects.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of Graves disease. Also call if your eye problems or general symptoms get worse (or do not improve) with treatment.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism with:
References Return to top
AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice fo rthe evaluation and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6).
Davies TF, Larsen PR. Thyrotoxicosis. In: Kronenberg HM, Shlomo M, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 11.
Update Date: 8/9/2008 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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