Hyperthyroidism: Sensitivity and Specificity
Introduction: Hyperthyroidism is often caused by Graves disease, with activating antibodies against the TSH receptor.
Note that signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism differ based on the age of the patient population, with older patients presenting more as apathetic hyperthyroidism (more apathy, anorexia) versus the typical diarrhea / tremor / nervousness / heat intolerance of younger patients. Older patients are more likely to be confused and much more likely to manifest atrial fibrillation.
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Prevalence
| Population / Calculator | Prevalence | Comments / Study / Link |
| Older US adults | 2% | 2% overall, 0.7% excluding iatrogenic cases
J Am Geriatr Soc. 1996 Jan;44(1):50-3. PMID: 8537590 http://gerontoprevention.free.fr/articles/hyperthyroidie.pdf |
| Hospitalized inpatients with atrial fibrillation | 1% | Another study found prevalence of 5%, though with only 6 weeks of follow-up.
Arch Intern Med. 1999 Apr 12;159(7):658-65. PMID: 10218744 |
| Hospitalized inpatients | 1% | Note that many hospitalized patients are transiently hypo/hyper-thyroid! Biggest offender is glucocorticoids, according to the paper.
Arch Intern Med. 1999 Apr 12;159(7):658-65. PMID: 10218744 |
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The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Hyperthyroidism are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.