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Subacute thyroiditis
is an acute inflammatory disease of the thyroid probably caused
by a virus. Symptoms include fever and thyroid tenderness. Initial
hyperthyroidism is common, sometimes followed by a transient period
of hypothyroidism. Diagnosis is clinical and with thyroid function
tests. Treatment is with high doses of NSAIDs or with corticosteroids.
The disease usually resolves spontaneously within months.
History of an antecedent viral URI is common. Histologic studies demonstrate less lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid than in Hashimoto's thyroiditis or silent thyroiditis, but there is characteristic giant cell infiltration, PMNs, and follicular disruption.
Symptoms
and Signs
There is pain in the anterior neck and fever of 37.8° to 38.3° C. Neck pain characteristically shifts from side to side and may settle in one area, frequently radiating to the jaw and ears. It is often confused with dental pain, pharyngitis, or otitis and is aggravated by swallowing or turning of the head. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are common early in the disease because of hormone release from the disrupted follicles. There is more lassitude and prostration than in other thyroid disorders. On physical examination, the thyroid is asymmetrically enlarged, firm, and tender.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on finding an enlarged, tender thyroid in patients with the appropriate clinical history. Thyroid testing with TSH and at least a free T4 is usually also done. Radioactive iodine uptake should be measured to confirm the diagnosis. When the diagnosis is uncertain, fine needle aspiration biopsy is useful. Thyroid ultrasound with color Doppler shows reduced blood flow in contrast with the increased flow of Graves' disease. Laboratory findings early in the disease include an increase in free T4 and T3, a marked decrease in TSH and thyroid radioactive iodine uptake (often 0), and a high ESR. After several weeks, the thyroid is depleted of T4 and T3 stores, and transient hypothyroidism develops accompanied by a decrease in free T4 and T3, a rise in TSH, and recovery of thyroid radioactive iodine uptake. Weakly positive thyroid antibodies may be present. Measurement of free T4, T3, and TSH at 2- to 4-wk intervals identifies the stages of the disease.
Prognosis
Subacute thyroiditis is self-limited, generally subsiding in a few months; occasionally, it recurs and may result in permanent hypothyroidism when follicular destruction is extensive.
Treatment
Discomfort is treated with high doses of aspirin or NSAIDs. In severe and protracted cases, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone 30 to 40 mg po once/day, gradually decreasing the dose over 3 to 4 wk) eradicate all symptoms within 48 h.
Bothersome hyperthyroid symptoms may be treated with a short course of a β -blocker. If hypothyroidism is pronounced or persists, thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be required, rarely permanently.
Last full review/revision June 2008 by Jerome M. Hershman, MD
Content last modified June 2008
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