Thyrotoxicosis and Postmortem Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease

Daniel C. Lingamfelter, DO
Fellow in Forensic Pathology Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas

Gregory G. Davis, MD, MSPH
Associate Coroner/Medical Examiner Jefferson County Coroner/ME Office and Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama

Amy C. Gruszecki, MSFS, DO
Medical Examiner Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences and Assistant Professor of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• define and understand the clinical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis and hyperthyroidism.
• identify the common causes of hyperthyroidism.
• recognize possible complications of thyrotoxicosis.
• discuss the postmortem trends of thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine.

The ASCP designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activities.