Thyroid Disorders · Pathology

A 35-year-old woman presents with heat intolerance, weight loss, and exophthalmos. Which of the following is the most likely underlying mechanism?

  1. TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma
  2. Autoantibodies against the TSH receptor (TSI)
  3. Destruction of follicles by CD8+ T cells
  4. Inactivating mutation in the G-protein signaling pathway
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Correct answer: Autoantibodies against the TSH receptor (TSI)

Graves disease is caused by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that bind to and activate the TSH receptor, mimicking the action of TSH. This leads to autonomous hyperthyroidism and characteristic clinical features like ophthalmopathy.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 20

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