The functional behavior of the thyroid is fundamental in most diseases and represents the basis for diagnosis and therapy. The status can be euthyroidism, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The psychiatric manifestation varies in different thyroid status. Those with hypothyroidism were described to have depression, psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. Meanwhile, those with hyperthyroidism were found to have psychosis, aggression, anxiety as well as cognitive impairment.
The serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein of 9 euthyroid subjects, 14 hypothyroid patients and 21 hyperthyroid patients was determined by radial immunodiffussion in agar plates. The serum alpha1 acid glycoprotein level in both the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients were significantly lowered when compared to the euthyroid subjects. There was no significant correlation between the alpha-1 acid glycoprotein level mid the Liothyronine resin uptake (T3 resin. uptake) and the serum total Thyroxine Iodide (T4I) level.
1. Observations have been quoted which mention the existence of goiter in remote inland areas of Malaya. 2. 39.5% of 618 Malays and 40.8% of 710 aborigines from inland areas were found on examination to have visible thyroid glands. A high incidence of thyroid enlargement was found in almost all areas where these observations were made, on a wide range of Geological Formations. 3. In the seaside populations studied, the low incidence of ‘visible’ thyroid glands (2/184) is typical of that of other ‘goiter free’ areas. 4. Iodine estimations have been carried out on seven water samples from rivers draining inland areas where thyroid data have been collected, and gave values of 0.2 to 0.6 parts of iodine per thousand million. The development of goiter is to be expected when the iodine content is so low. 5. High calcium content of waters cannot be important in causing goiter in Malaya. 6. The availability of dried seafoods is thought to be an important factor in goiter prevention in Malaya. Four dried marine foods contained 360 to 1,340 parts of iodine per thousand million.
Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland is a rare condition. A case of tuberculosis of the thyroid gland presenting as a solitary thyroid nodule is presented. Management is operative intervention and anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. The final diagnosis is made after histopathological confirmation of the typical appearances.