Toxic thyroid adenoma

Typically a single large thyroid nodule accompanied by clinical and biochemical hyperthyroidism.

Diagnosis confirmed by thyroid scan demonstrating a hot area and suppression of extranodular thyroid tissue.

Hyperthyroidism caused by toxic adenomas generally does not remit.

Definitive treatment, such as radioactive iodine therapy, is usually required.

Complications of untreated toxic adenomas may include sequelae of hyperthyroidism such as cardiac dysfunction or bone loss, or tracheal compression by large nodules.

A toxic adenoma is an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule that causes hyperthyroidism.[1]Ross DS, Burch HB, Cooper DS, et al. 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines for diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid. 2016 Oct;26(10):1343-421. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/thy.2016.0229 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27521067?tool=bestpractice.com These nodules are almost always benign. Some autonomous nodules cause only subclinical hyperthyroidism, with suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and normal concentrations of free thyroid hormones.