The diagnostic dilemmas of hyperthyroxinemia and hypothyroxinemia

Abstract

It should be apparent that the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism can be correctly made in the majority of ambulatory patients. However, the clinician needs to be extremely careful in reaching such a definitive diagnosis on the hospitalized patient. Both the clinical features and the standard thyroid function tests need careful evaluation and reanalysis before the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction can be made with confidence.