Basedowkór

Basedowkór, or Basedow’s disease, is the Swedish term for Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. It arises when autoantibodies stimulate the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor, leading to excess production of thyroid hormones and diffuse gland enlargement.

Its symptoms reflect overactivity of the thyroid and can include weight loss despite normal appetite, heat intolerance, sweating, anxiety, tremor, palpitations, and fatigue. A diffuse goiter is common. About one quarter to one half of patients develop Graves’ ophthalmopathy, with eye protrusion, irritation, double vision, or eyelid retraction; rare cases include pretibial myxedema.

Pathophysiology involves autoimmune activation against the TSH receptor, producing thyroid-stimulating antibodies. Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers contribute to disease development. The condition may occur alone or with other autoimmune disorders.

Diagnosis uses history and exam, plus laboratory tests showing suppressed TSH with elevated free T4 and/or T3. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins or TSH receptor antibodies may be detected. A radioactive iodine uptake scan typically shows diffuse increased uptake, helping distinguish Graves’ disease from other causes of thyrotoxicosis.

Treatment aims to restore euthyroidism and may include antithyroid drugs (for example methimazole), radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical thyroidectomy, chosen according to age, pregnancy status, comorbidities, and disease severity. Beta-blockers can relieve adrenergic symptoms. Eye disease requires specialized management, and smoking cessation is advised as it worsens ophthalmopathy.

Graves’ disease is more common in women and often appears in middle age. With appropriate therapy, thyroid function may normalize, though relapse occurs in some individuals and ophthalmopathy can persist or progress.