Subacute thyroiditis

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Subacute thyroiditis
Subacute thyroiditis
Synonyms	De Quervain's thyroiditis, granulomatous thyroiditis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Neck pain, fever, fatigue, dysphagia
Complications	Hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Weeks to months
Types	N/A
Causes	Often follows a viral infection
Risks	Recent upper respiratory tract infection
Diagnosis	Thyroid function tests, ESR, CRP, ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, thyroid cancer
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	NSAIDs, corticosteroids
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good, self-limiting
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Subacute thyroiditis (also known as de Quervain's thyroiditis and giant cell thyroiditis) is a form of thyroiditis that is usually self-limiting, of viral origin, and accompanied by systemic symptoms. It is characterized by neck pain, systemic symptoms, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Signs and Symptoms

Patients with subacute thyroiditis typically present with a triphasic pattern of thyroid dysfunction. The initial phase is characterized by neck pain and systemic symptoms, including fever, malaise, and myalgia. This is followed by a thyrotoxic phase, during which patients may experience symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations. The final phase is a hypothyroid phase, which may last for several months.

Causes

The exact cause of subacute thyroiditis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a viral infection. The condition is often preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection, and it has been associated with several viruses, including mumps, influenza, and coxsackie viruses.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis is typically based on the patient's clinical presentation and laboratory findings. The most characteristic laboratory finding is an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Other common findings include a low uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland and elevated levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.

Treatment

The treatment of subacute thyroiditis is primarily symptomatic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be used. Once the thyrotoxic phase has resolved, patients may require treatment with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for subacute thyroiditis is generally good. Most patients recover completely within a few months, although some may experience a recurrence of symptoms.

See Also

• Thyroiditis
• Thyroid
• Thyroid hormones
• Inflammation