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What is lithium-induced goiter? How to manage it? What are the precautions to be taken? What are the signs and symptoms? What is the cause of this disease? How to treat it? How can homeopathy help you? All of this answered, in this post and of course our doctors always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!

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What lithium-induced goiter is?

– Lithium is used for the treatment of the bipolar manic-depressive disorder.

– Lithium inhibits thyroid hormone release, like iodine.

– Lithium treatment has been associated with the development of goiter.

– Lithium induces a marked decrease in the release of thyroid hormone (TH) from the thyroid.

Which age group is more affected due to lithium-induced goiter?

– No difference in the incidence or prevalence of goiter formation in men and women has been reported.

– Older patients are more prone to the development of goiter.

What are the causes of lithium-induced goiter?

– Lithium carbonate is the direct cause of goiter formation.

– Although the exact cause of lithium-induced thyrotoxicosis is not clear, some speculate that lithium may directly stimulate autoimmune reactions. On the other hand, thyroid autoimmunity is highly prevalent in patients with bipolar disorder.

What are the sign and symptoms of lithium-induced goiter?

– The patient is usually asymptomatic.

– Symptoms are similar to that of hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis is similar to that of iodine deficiency or excess respectively.

– Thyroid gland enlargement is smooth, symmetrical and non-tender.

How to investigate lithium-induced goiter?

– Serum thyrotropin.

– Circulating antithyroid peroxidase and anti-Tg antibodies.

– Serum free T4 and T3 test: Low levels indicate hypothyroidism.

– Thyroid ultrasound.

– Perchlorate discharge test

How to treat lithium-induced goiter?

– T4 (Levothyroxine) is the drug of choice.

– Thyroid replacement therapy.

– Thyroidectomy in rare cases.

What is the differential diagnosis of lithium-induced goiter?

– Goiter

– Non-toxic goiter

– Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

– Subacute thyroiditis

– Thyrotoxicosis

For more information, you can visit NCBI and eMedicine.