American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is a possible indication for treating subclinical hypothyroidism in a patient?

1. History of asthma

2. Presence of goiter

3. Lack of obesity

4. Low blood pressure reading

The correct answer is: Presence of goiter

Treating subclinical hypothyroidism may be indicated in patients who present with a goiter. The presence of a goiter suggests that the thyroid gland is undergoing changes that may be due to an underlying thyroid condition. This enlargement can be caused by various factors, including iodine deficiency or autoimmune processes affecting thyroid function. In cases where patients have subclinical hypothyroidism and a goiter, it is essential to initiate treatment to help reduce the size of the goiter and alleviate any potential symptoms associated with enlarged thyroid tissue. Other factors, such as a history of asthma, lack of obesity, or low blood pressure, do not provide direct indications for the treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism specifically. While these conditions might influence the overall clinical picture or management of a patient, they do not establish a necessary medical intervention based solely on thyroid function. In contrast, a goiter could be indicative of thyroid dysfunction that may warrant therapeutic measures for better management of the patient's thyroid health.