September/2005

ANSWER  5 =B

Grave’s Disease is clearly the most common etiology of hyperthyroidism when compared to the other choices. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases.8 It is an autoimmune disease caused by an antibody, active against the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor, which stimulates the gland to synthesize and secrete excess thyroid hormone. It can be familial and associated with other autoimmune diseases. An infiltrative ophthalmopathy accompanies Graves' disease in about 50 percent of patients. See AFP on hyperthyroidism http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050815/623.html