Which autoimmune thyroid disease is characterized by high levels of T3 and T4 and low TSH?

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Prepare for the UCF HSC4558 Pathophysiology II Final Exam. Study effectively with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

Grave's disease is the correct choice as it is an autoimmune disorder that leads to hyperthyroidism, characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones, specifically T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). In this condition, the thyroid gland is stimulated by antibodies that mimic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), resulting in increased levels of T3 and T4. The elevated thyroid hormones then exert negative feedback on the pituitary gland, causing a decrease in TSH levels.

In contrast, Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome are disorders related to adrenal dysfunction, affecting cortisol levels rather than thyroid hormones. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, on the other hand, typically leads to hypothyroidism due to the destruction of the thyroid tissue, which would result in low levels of T3 and T4 alongside elevated TSH, as the body attempts to compensate for the low thyroid hormone levels. Thus, Grave's disease is uniquely identified by high levels of T3 and T4 alongside low TSH, differentiating it from the other options presented.