Hypothyroidism: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: None written.

The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Hypothyroidism are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Pre-Test Probability (Prevalence): %.	Post-Test Probability (Predictive Value): %.	Switch to display mode.
Note that calculating probabilities from more than one** finding is inherently inaccurate because findings are not independent. (For example, using two positive findings that share a common pathogenesis is likely to overestimate the true probability.)

Sensitive and Specific Findings
Finding	Result	Sensitivity	Specificity
[ + ] TSH	+ 0 -	92%	93%
exact sens / spec depends on the particular TSH assay used Study: Arch Intern Med 1989 Mar;149(3):526-32. PMID 2493228
[ + ] Free T3	+ 0 -	86%	88%
Study: Arch Intern Med 1989 Mar;149(3):526-32. PMID 2493228

Findings With Unspecified Accuracy
Finding	Result	Sensitivity	Specificity
[ + ] TSH		No accuracy specified.
Study: no study specified.

Specific Findings
Finding	Result	Sensitivity	Specificity
[ + ] Slow Movements	+ 0 -	36%	99%
Note that another study [PMID: 15047991] gave sens = 87%, spec = 13%. Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Hearing Loss	+ 0 -	22%	98%
progressive Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Periorbital Puffiness	+ 0 -	60%	96%
obscuring the curve of the malar bone. Note that another study [PMID: 15047991] gave sens = 92% / spec = 21%. Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Free T4	+ 0 -	82%	94%
estimated Study: Arch Intern Med 1989 Mar;149(3):526-32. PMID 2493228
[ + ] Achilles Reflex	+ 0 -	77%	94%
delayed relaxation time Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Free T4	+ 0 -	78%	93%
calculated Study: Arch Intern Med 1989 Mar;149(3):526-32. PMID 2493228
[ + ] Hoarseness	+ 0 -	34%	88%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Decreased Sweating	+ 0 -	54%	86%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Constipation	+ 0 -	48%	85%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480

Poorly Diagnostic Findings
Finding	Result	Sensitivity	Specificity
[ + ] Paresthesias	+ 0 -	52%	83%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Coarse Skin	+ 0 -	60%	81%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Cold Skin	+ 0 -	50%	80%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Weight Gain	+ 0 -	54%	77%
or tightness of clothes Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Cold Intolerance	+ 0 -	64%	65%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Dry Skin	+ 0 -	76%	64%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Bradycardia	+ 0 -	58%	42%
Study: J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Mar;82(3):771-6. PMID: 9062480
[ + ] Peripheral Edema	+ 0 -	78%	30%
specifically pre-tibial Study: J Postgrad Med. 2004 Jan-Mar;50(1):7-11. PMID: 15047991