[Hyperthyroidism: diagnosis (author's transl)].

In hyperthyroidism we differentiate two main forms: (1) hyperthyroidism due to Basedow's (Graves') disease, always characterized by endocrine eye signs, frequently with goiter; (2) hyperthyroidism due to nodular goiter or to Plummers' disease, without endocrine exophthalmos. The clinical diagnosis includes typical complaints (e.g., weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating) and findings (e.g., tachycardia, tremor, soft-warm skin). The technical diagnosis includes in vivo (scintigraphy, RI-uptake, X-ray examination) and in vitro (T3-RIA, T4-assay, TRH response to TRH) tests.