title: Unexplained weight loss in an elderly patient. Delayed diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis.
abstract: Because the presenting symptoms of hyperthyroidism are often misleading in elderly patients, diagnosis depends on a high degree of clinical suspicion. The presence of unexplained weight loss, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure (especially in a patient without a history of heart problems) justifies testing for thyrotoxicosis.
authors: Division of Endocrinology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Weiss
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes