Here’s what is says in the Merck Manual about Plummer’s Disease. I don’t
understand the whole thing, but here goes:
Toxic adenoma and toxic multinodular goiter (Plummer’s disease): One or
more thyroid nodules occasionally hyperfunction autonomously for unknown
reasons. The excess T3 and T4 inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary axis,
stopping TSH production and decreasing production of hormone in the rest
of the thyroid. RAI uptake in the hyperfunctioning nodule is increased
while in the rest of the gland, it is decreased. Multinodular goiter
with or without hyperthyroidism is more common in older people. Neither
toxic multinodular goiter nor toxic adenoma is associated with LATS,
exophthalmos, or the pretibial myxedema found in Graves’ Disease. Since
nodules often produce selective increases in T3 levels, determination of
serum total T3 should be included in the thyroid function tests selected
for evaluation of nodular goiter.
Toxic adenoma and multinodular goiter are treated surgically or with
radioiodine.
I’m not going to try to proof read that – I hope it is readable!
DonnaN