Saturday, June 17, 2023

Hashimoto's thyroiditis induced severe atrophy of thyroid


This elderly female patient had history of tiredness and lethargy. She was a known case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and on daily Thyroxine 150 mcg tablet.


The ultrasound imaging findings are consistent with severe atrophy of the thyroid gland in a patient with long-standing Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The patient's thyroid gland is so small that the left lobe is only 5 x 7 mm in size, and the right lobe and isthmus are not visible. This is a typical finding in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, as the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland eventually leads to its destruction.

The patient has been taking thyroxine 150 mcg tablet daily for the past 10 years, which has helped to keep her thyroid hormone levels in the normal range. However, she may need to have her dose of thyroxine adjusted in the future, as her thyroid gland continues to atrophy.

It is important for the patient to continue to see her doctor regularly so that her thyroid hormone levels can be monitored and her dose of thyroxine can be adjusted as needed. She should also be aware of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, and report any changes in her symptoms to her doctor.

Some additional information about Hashimoto's thyroiditis:

  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to attack the thyroid gland.
  • The thyroid gland is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism.
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, which is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
  • The symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis can vary, but they often include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin.
  • There is no cure for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but it can be managed with medication.

Prognosis and management:

The prognosis and management of an elderly woman on 150 mcg of thyroxine tablet daily with severe atrophy of thyroid gland will depend on a number of factors, including the woman's overall health, the severity of her hypothyroidism, and how well she responds to treatment.

In general, the prognosis for elderly people with hypothyroidism is good. With proper treatment, most people are able to live normal, active lives. However, some elderly people may be more susceptible to the complications of hypothyroidism, such as heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.

The management of hypothyroidism in elderly people is similar to the management in younger people. The goal of treatment is to replace the thyroid hormone that the body is not producing. This is usually done with a daily dose of levothyroxine (thyronorm). The dosage may need to be adjusted over time to achieve the desired level of thyroid hormone in the blood.

In the case of an elderly woman with severe atrophy of the thyroid gland, she may need a higher dose of levothyroxine than a younger person with the same level of hypothyroidism. She may also need to be monitored more closely for side effects of treatment, such as heart palpitations and anxiety.

With proper treatment, this elderly patient with severe atrophy of the thyroid gland can live a long and healthy life. However, it is important to work closely with a doctor to monitor her condition and adjust her medication as needed.

Here are some additional tips for managing hypothyroidism in elderly people:

  • Take medication on time, every day.
  • Have blood levels checked regularly to make sure your dosage is correct.
  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, and report any changes to physician. 
  • Take care of overall health by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

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