PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is Plummer's disease characterized by?

1. Benign cold nodules

2. A toxic multinodular goiter

3. Thyroid cancer

4. Hyperthyroid myopathy

The correct answer is: A toxic multinodular goiter

Plummer's disease, also known as toxic multinodular goiter, is characterized by the presence of multiple autonomous nodules within the thyroid gland that produce excess thyroid hormones. This leads to a state of hyperthyroidism. In Plummer's disease, the nodules are typically functioning independently, producing hormones without the regulatory influence of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This condition can cause symptoms commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased appetite, heat intolerance, and palpitations, among others. Understanding the nature of these nodules is crucial, as they differ from benign cold nodules, which do not produce hormones or contribute to hyperthyroidism. Additionally, while thyroid cancer can present as a nodule on imaging, it is not a characteristic of Plummer's disease. Hyperthyroid myopathy pertains to muscle weakness associated with hyperthyroidism but does not define or characterize the underlying pathology associated with Plummer’s disease itself. Thus, the unique aspect of Plummer's disease is its identification as a toxic multinodular goiter with multiple hyperfunctioning nodules.