[Basedow's disease].

Abstract

Graves' disease has been shown to be an autoimmune disorder. Circulating antibodies to the thyrotropin receptor stimulate thyroid hormone synthesis and hence lead to hyperthyroidism. The diagnosis is made mainly on clinical grounds. Measurements of thyroid hormone concentrations and titers of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins confirm the diagnosis. Further diagnostic procedures are rarely needed. There still exists some controversy about the appropriate treatment for Graves' disease. Nevertheless some therapeutic guidelines are proposed. Advantages and disadvantages of the various methods are discussed. Basically there are three choices: surgery, radioiodine and antithyroid drugs. Treatment of Graves' disease during pregnancy and lactation will be discussed in detail.