Abstract |
Subclinical hypothyroidism can be defined as an
asymptomatic state in which a reduction in thyroid
activity has been compensated by an increased TSH
output to maintain a euthyroid state. We analysed
clinical features, laboratory data, and pathologic
findings in 39 cases of subclinical hypothyroidism who
were diagnosed at the Dept. of Internal Medicine,
Chungnam National University Hospital from Aug. 1984 to
June, 1985. 1) The age distribution was from sixteen to
sixty-nine and mean age was 34.8. Peak incidence was in
the 4th decade and 3rd, 5th, 6th decade in order. 2)
The sex distribution showed female preponderance with a
ratio of 18.5 to 1. 3) The major presenting
manifestations were nonspecific ones such as fatigue,
indigestion, and anorexia. 4) Physical examination
revealed diffuse goiter in 47.6%. Major abnormalities
were no gross abnormality (30.9%), nodular goiter and
facial edema. 5) There was no significant difference of
the basal serum T3 and T4 concentrations between
subclinical hypothyroidism and normal controls (p〉
0.05). 6) The basal serum TSH concentration of
subclinical hypothyroidism (32.61±14.95 μU/ml) was
significantly higher than that of normal controls
(3.92±1.05 μU/ml) (p〈0.005). 7) Microsomal antibody
was detected in 80.6% and thyroglobulin antibody was
detected in 30%. 8) The pathologic findings in 26 cases
revealed Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 76.9% (lymphocytic
type, 34.6%; oxyphilic type, 26.9%; fibrotic type,
15.4%). The others were adenomatous goiter (15.4%),
adenomatous carcinoma (3.8%) and subacute thyroiditis
(3.8%). |