Graves' disease
Last edited 08/2021 and last reviewed 12/2021
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease mediated by thyroid-stimulating IgG immunoglobulins directed against the TSH receptor, resulting in hyperthyroidism.
The autoimmune process involved in Graves' disease also typically is directed to soft tissues within the orbit - this results in inflammation and swelling, with periorbital oedema, proptosis, and ophthalmoplegia (Graves' ophthalmology).
The presence of pre-tibial myxoedema in association with hyperthyroidism is diagnostic but is uncommon, occurring in about 6% of cases.
Estimated prevalences of different aspects of Graves' disease:
- hyperthyroidism and diffuse goitre - 95%
- thyroid eye disease - 50%
- pretibial myxoedema - 6%
- acropachy - 1%
- thyroid eye disease without hyperthyroidism ['Euthyroid Graves' disease'] - 5%
The natural history is one of alternating relapse and remission; less than 40% of patients have a single episode during their lifetime.
Reference:
- Girgis CM, Champion BL, Wall JR. Current concepts in graves' disease. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jun;2(3):135-44.