Graves disease
a syndrome of diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid, with a female predominance; it usually has an autoimmune etiology and has been linked to autoimmune thyroiditis. Characteristics include hyperthyroidism (q.v.), usually with goiter and ophthalmic symptoms (Graves orbitopathy). Most patients have circulating thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins that cause excessive secretion of thyroid hormones by binding to TSH receptors on thyroid follicular cells. Called also Basedow or Parry d. and diffuse toxic goiter.
Medical dictionary.
2011.