Toxic Multinodular Goitre

Toxic Multinodular Goitre

Toxic multinodular goiter (also known as toxic nodular goiter, toxic nodular struma) is a common cause of hyperthyroidism - in which there is excess production of thyroid hormones from functionally autonomous thyroid nodules, which do not require stimulation from thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

It is the second most common cause of hyperthyroidism (after Graves' disease) in the developed world. In countries where the population is iodine-deficient i.e. the developing world, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. (Decreased iodine leads to decreased thyroid hormone.) However, iodine deficiency can cause goitre (thyroid enlargement); within a goitre, nodules can develop. Risk factors for toxic multinodular goiter include individuals over 60 years of age and being female.