Graves disease

Graves disease An autoimmune disease that produces general overactivity (toxicity) of the thyroid gland, which becomes enlarged into a goiter. Graves disease is the most common disease that causes an excess of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Grave’s disease is frequently associated with protrusion of the eyes (ophthalmopathy). Dermopathy is a rare, painless, reddish lumpy skin rash that occurs on the front of the leg in some patients. Graves disease can be diagnosed via a typical thyroid scan (which shows diffuse, increased uptake), or by testing the blood for thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and finding abnormally high levels. Treatment includes antithyroid medications, removal of thyroid tissue via surgery (subtotal thyroidectomy), and radioiodine (RAI). Also known as diffuse toxic goiter.