A 23 year old asymptomatic woman attends her family physician for thyroid function testing as her mother has recently been commenced on levothyroxine. Thyroid functiontests (TFTs) show TSH 6miU/L, and free T4 of 12.4 pmoi/L (0.96 ng/dL). Her serum thyroid peroxidase antibodies are strongly positive. What is the most appropriate management plan?
Correct Answer: Arrange a scintigraphy scan
Description: This woman has subclinical hypothyroidism. There is no benefit in checking thyroglobulin antibodies as it does not change her diagnosis or management. With positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies she has a higher risk of progression to overt thyroid failure. A trial of thyroxine replacement would be advocated if her TSH was > 1 0 miU/L or she developed symptoms suggestive of progression to clinical disease. Reviewing her biochemistry and symptomatology is therefore necessary.
Category:
Medicine
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now