Graves' disease: features
Graves' disease is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis. It is typically seen in women aged 30-50 years.
Features
Features seen in Graves' but not in other causes of thyrotoxicosis
Autoantibodies
Features
- typical features of thyrotoxicosis
- specific signs limited to Grave's (see below)
Features seen in Graves' but not in other causes of thyrotoxicosis
- eye signs (30% of patients): exophthalmos, ophthalmoplegia
- pretibial myxoedema
- thyroid acropachy
Autoantibodies
- TSH receptor stimulating antibodies (90%)
- anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (75%)