RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Diagnosis and management of Graves' disease
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 575
OP 585
VO 168
IS 5
A1 Jody Ginsberg
YR 2003
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/168/5/575.abstract
AB GRAVES' DISEASE IS CHARACTERIZED BY HYPERTHYROIDISM, diffuse goitre, ophthalmopathy and, rarely, dermopathy. Although diagnostic testing is straightforward once Graves' disease is suspected, physicians need to be aware of heterogeneous and even atypical presentations of the disease, particularly in elderly patients. Because morbidity may be associated with even subtle forms of hyperthyroidism, treatment promoting long-term euthyroidism is necessary. Although all of the available treatments are effective, compliance is best assured by a full discussion of the risks and benefits of each approach. This review focuses on issues of diagnosis and management that will allow the primary care physician to identify patients with Graves' disease and guide them to recovery.