[Organ manifestations of hyperthyroidism]. / Organkomplikationen der Hyperthyreose.

ABSTRACT

Patients with hyperthyroidism tend to feel well and procrastinate the visit to the doctor and hence diagnosis of the disease. Among a whole variety of more or less distinct symptoms affecting many organs, cardiovascular disease is most prevalent and serious, because it relates to an increase in mortality of patients with hyperthyroidism. Recent epidemiological studies have clearly demonstrated that the disease already begins with the subclinical states of hyperthyroidism and, as a consequence, treatment should also be commenced early on. Novel insights into the mechanisms and actions of thyroid hormones at the pathophysiological level offer a potential for the development and future therapeutic use of selective hormone analogues. Despite the high frequency and importance of thyroid disorders, awareness appears to be decreasing and over-dosage of thyroid hormones in benign thyroid conditions is frequent. This review should emphasize that the thyroid gland affects the structure and function of a multitude of organs and, on the other hand, many symptoms and complaints, related to various organ systems, should raise suspicion of thyroid disease.