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Introduction: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increased synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis refers to the clinical syndrome resulting from excessive circulating thyroid hormones, secondary to hyperthyroidism or due to other causes. This article describes evidence-based guidelines for the clinical management of thyrotoxicosis., Objective: This consensus, developed by Brazilian experts and sponsored by the Department of Thyroid Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, aims to address the management, diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyrotoxicosis, according to the most recent evidence from the literature and appropriate for the clinical reality of Brazil., Materials and Methods: After structuring clinical questions, search for evidence was made available in the literature, initially in the database MedLine, PubMed and Embase databases and subsequently in SciELO - Lilacs. The strength of evidence was evaluated by Oxford classification system was established from the study design used, considering the best available evidence for each question., Results: We have defined 13 questions about the initial clinical approach for the diagnosis and treatment that resulted in 53 recommendations, including the etiology, treatment with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and surgery. We also addressed hyperthyroidism in children, teenagers or pregnant patients, and management of hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and various other causes of thyrotoxicosis., Conclusions: The clinical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism usually offers no difficulty and should be made with measurements of serum TSH and thyroid hormones. The treatment can be performed with antithyroid drugs, surgery or administration of radioactive iodine according to the etiology of thyrotoxicosis, local availability of methods and preferences of the attending physician and patient.

The approach to the evaluation of a neck mass requires careful history and physical examination to determine if the mass is thyroidal or non-thyroidal. Thyromegaly can be classified as diffuse or nodular, painless or painful, or associated with a solitary or multiple nodules. While the most common cause of diffuse enlargement is chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, the presence of nodularity should prompt consideration of cancer. Results of a radionuclide scan, ultrasonogram, and/or a fine-needle aspiration of a cystic nodule should help guide the physician to those patients in need of an open thyroid biopsy.

Studies in Switzerland (1979), in Austria (1982) and in Germany (1975) revealed that greater than 10% of the population has a goiter. Simple guidelines are offered to the practising physician for the work-up and therapy of this fairly common pathological condition. In the work-up one investigates firstly whether the goiter in question could be malignant, and, secondly, whether it could be due to thyroiditis. If this is not the case the goiter is probably benign (Graves' goiter or "simple" goiter). Malignant goiters are referred to the endocrinologist/surgeon for further work-up and therapy. Subacute thyroiditis is treated with salicylates or steroids. The hyperthyroid phase of thyroiditis is treated with beta-blockers and possibly steroids and the hypothyroid phase with thyroxine. The hypo- and euthyroid variants of "simple" goiter are treated with thyroxine. Goiters which grow during this therapy are removed surgically. The hyperthyroid variant of "simple" goiter should preferably be treated surgically.

In this review on goitre in pediatric age we will differentiate clinical conditions of euthyroidism, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. From an etiopathogenetic point of view we are observing a decrease in endemic goitres due to a defective iodide intake with diet. More common are the defects in hormonal synthesis, genetically transmitted; the connections between immune system and thyroid diseases, e.g. Hashimoto thyroiditis and Grave's disease, are discussed. We will also deal with minor goitre conditions, such as the rare familial peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones.