USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by the inhibition of hormone synthesis using medications like Propylthiouracil or Iodide, as part of its treatment protocol?

1. Follicular adenoma

2. Graves hyperthyroidism

3. Riedel thyroiditis

4. Thyroid storm

The correct answer is: Thyroid storm

The condition characterized by the inhibition of hormone synthesis using medications like Propylthiouracil or Iodide is Graves hyperthyroidism. In Graves disease, the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to increased production of thyroid hormones, which can result in hyperthyroidism. To manage this overproduction of hormones, medications such as Propylthiouracil inhibit the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is critical in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodide can also be used to reduce the release of thyroid hormones temporarily. In contrast, follicular adenoma is a benign tumor, and Riedel thyroiditis involves fibrosis and does not primarily focus on hormone synthesis inhibition as part of its treatment approach. Thyroid storm is a severe and acute exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, which may require immediate treatment but is not itself characterized by the preparation of long-term medication use for inhibiting hormone synthesis. The primary focus on the management of Graves hyperthyroidism with these medications directly addresses the underlying issue of excessive hormone production.