Thyroiditis and Thyroid Function

Modern Trends in Physiological Sciences, Volume 36: Thyroiditis and Thyroid Function: Clinical, Morphological, and Physiopathological Studies presents a detailed understanding of the incipient stages of hypothyroidism that have important clinical connections with atherosclerosis and obesity. This book provides an overall view of iodine metabolism and pituitary thyroid relationships. Organized into 15 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the role of the thyroid in converting inorganic iodine into thyroid hormones. This text then discusses the concept of autoimmunity, with emphasis on the immunizing mechanisms to combat the foreign agents invading the body. Other chapters consider the possible relationship with autoimmune processes of the struma fibrosa giant-cell variant. This book discusses as well several case studies concerning chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, Hashimoto's disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis. The final chapter deals with the pathogenic importance of each type of autoimmune thyroiditis. This book is a valuable resource for thyroid specialists, endocrinologist, and physicians.