2
Key Points
Î Thyrotoxicosis is a condition having multiple etiologies, manifestations,
and potential therapies.
Î The term ''thyrotoxicosis'' refers to a clinical state that results
from inappropriately high thyroid hormone action in tissues due to
inappropriately high tissue thyroid hormone levels.
Î The term ''hyperthyroidism,'' as used in these guidelines, is a form of
thyrotoxicosis due to inappropriately high synthesis and secretion of
thyroid hormone(s) by the thyroid.
Î Appropriate treatment of thyrotoxicosis requires an accurate
diagnosis.
• For example, thyroidectomy is an appropriate treatment for some forms of
thyrotoxicosis and not for others.
Î Additionally, β-blockers may be used in almost all forms of
thyrotoxicosis, whereas antithyroid drugs (ATDs) are useful in only
some.
Î In the United States, the prevalence of hyperthyroidism is approximately
1.2% (0.5% overt and 0.7% subclinical).
Î The most common causes include Graves' disease (GD), toxic
multinodular goiter (TMNG), toxic adenoma (TA) and and painless
thyroiditis.
Guideline Grading System
Strength of Recommendation Quality of Evidence
SR Strong Recommendation H High-quality evidence
WR Weak Recommendation M Moderate-quality evidence
NR No Recommendation L Low-quality evidence
In Insufficient
