Thyroid-stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) – 140749

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.^2-7 In GD, thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) bind to the TSH receptor (TSHR) and mimic TSH stimulation of the thyroid gland. Because TSI induced thyroid hormone secretion is not controlled by negative feedback, such stimulation causes uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.⁸ Extrathyroidal manifestations of GD include endocrine exophthalmos, pretibial myxedema. GD is characterized thyroid acropachy, i.e., the soft-tissue swelling of the hands and clubbing of the fingers. Radiographic imaging of affected extremities typically demonstrates periostitis, most commonly the metacarpal bones. TSI are IgG antibodies that can cross the placental barrier and cause neonatal thyrotoxicosis in newborns delivered by mothers with GD.^9,10