The key difference between Graves disease and Plummer disease is that Graves disease is a medical condition that causes hyperthyroidism due to a malfunction in the immune system, while Plummer disease is a medical condition that causes hyperthyroidism due to a familial genetic mutation.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. It is also called an overactive thyroid. This condition normally speeds up the metabolism of the body and ultimately causes symptoms such as weight loss, hand tremors, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Graves disease and Plummer disease are two medical conditions that mainly result in hyperthyroidism.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Graves Disease
3. What is Plummer Disease
4. Similarities – Graves Disease and Plummer Disease
5. Graves Disease vs Plummer Disease in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Graves Disease vs Plummer Disease
What is Graves Disease?
Graves disease is a medical condition that results in hyperthyroidism. It is caused by a malfunction in the immune system. In Graves disease, the immune system produces an antibody to one part of the cells in the hormone-producing gland in the neck called the thyroid gland. The normal function of the thyroid gland is regulated by a hormone released by the pituitary gland. However, in this case, the antibody associated with Graves disease (TRAb) acts like a regulatory pituitary hormone, resulting in the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include anxiety, a tremor in hands, weight loss, heat sensitivity, enlargement of the thyroid gland, changes in menstruation, erectile dysfunction, frequent bowel movements, bulging eyes, fatigue, thick red skin on the top of the feet, rapid heartbeat, disturbance in the sleep and Graves ophthalmopathy.
Figure 01: Micrograph of the Thyroid Gland in Graves Disease
Moreover, Graves disease can be diagnosed through medical and family history, blood test levels of TSH hormone, radioactive iodine uptake, ultrasound, and imaging tests (CT scan and MRI). Furthermore, treatment options for Graves disease may include radioactive iodine therapy, anti-thyroid medications (propylthiouracil and methimazole), beta-blockers to reduce the effect of overproduction of thyroid hormone, surgery (thyroidectomy), managing Grave ophthalmopathy (corticosteroids, teprotumumab, prisms, orbital decompression surgery, and orbital radiotherapy), lifestyle and home remedies (eating well exercising and easing stress).
What is Plummer Disease?
Plummer disease, also called toxic mutinodular goiter, is a medical condition that results in hyperthyroidism. It is caused by a familial genetic mutation. It is believed that Plummer disease is predisposed to a mutation in the TSH receptor. The mutated TSH receptor is constitutively active, which would be toxic and hence produces excess T3/T4 hormones leading to hyperthyroidism. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include heart intolerance, muscle weakness, hyperactivity, fatigue or weakness, tremor, irritability, weight loss, osteoporosis, increased appetite, non-painful goiter, tachycardia, tracheal compression, and exophthalmos.
Moreover, Plummer disease can be diagnosed through physical examination, blood tests for levels of TSH, T3, and T4 hormones, and fine needle aspiration biopsy. Furthermore, treatment options for Plummer disease may include radioactive iodine therapy, beta blockers to control symptoms, certain medicines to block or change how the thyroid gland using iodine propylthiouracil or methimazole, surgical removal of toxic nodules, and injection of ethanol into the nodules.
What are the Similarities Between Graves Disease and Plummer Disease?
- Graves disease and Plummer disease are two medical conditions that mainly result in hyperthyroidism.
- Both diseases result in higher thyroid hormone (T3/T4) production.
- They may have similar symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue or weakness, irregular or rapid heartbeat,
- Both diseases can be diagnosed through blood tests and imaging tests.
- They are treated through specie medications and surgery.
What is the Difference Between Graves Disease and Plummer Disease?
Graves disease is a medical condition caused by a malfunction in the immune system, while Plummer disease is a medical condition caused by a familial genetic mutation. Thus, this is the key difference between Graves disease and Plummer disease. Furthermore, Graves disease is an immune system disease or autoimmune disease, while Plummer disease is not an immune system disease or autoimmune disease.
The below infographic presents the differences between Graves disease and Plummer disease in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Graves Disease vs Plummer Disease
Graves disease and Plummer disease are two medical conditions that result in the overproduction of thyroid hormone. Hence, these conditions cause hyperthyroidism. Graves disease is caused by a malfunction in the immune system. Plummer disease is caused by a familial genetic mutation. So, this is the key difference between Graves disease and Plummer disease.
Reference:
1. “Graves’ Disease.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
2. “Toxic Nodular Goiter.” Penn Medicine.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Graves disease – alt — intermed mag” By Librepath – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Causes of hyperthyroidism” By Mikael Häggström – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia