Subacute thyroiditis
Definition
Subacute thyroiditis involves swelling (inflammation) of the thyroid gland that usually follows an upper respiratory infection.
Alternative Names
De Quervain's thyroiditis; Subacute nonsuppurative thyroiditis; Giant cell thyroiditis; Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis
Causes
Subacute thyroiditis is a rare condition. It is thought to be caused by a viral infection. The condition often occurs after a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, such as mumps and influenza.
Subacute thyroiditis occurs most often in middle-aged women with recent symptoms of a viral respiratory tract infection.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of subacute thyroiditis is pain in the neck. Sometimes the pain can spread (radiate) to the jaw or ears. Painful enlargement of the thyroid gland may last for weeks or months.
Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Tenderness when gentle pressure is applied to the thyroid gland (palpation)
- Weakness
Symptoms of too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) may include:
Later, symptoms of too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) may occur, including:
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Fatigue
Usually thyroid gland function returns to normal. But in some cases hypothyroidism may be permanent.
Exams and Tests
Laboratory tests early in the course of the disease may show:
Laboratory tests later in the disease may show:
- High serum TSH level
- Low serum free T4
There may be low levels of antithyroid antibodies. Thyroid gland biopsy is usually not needed, but will show a type of inflammation characteristic of this condition. Lab tests should return to normal as the condition goes away.
Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation and treat hyperthyroidism, if it occurs. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen are used to control pain in mild cases.
More serious cases may need temporary treatment with steroids (for example, prednisone) to control inflammation. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are treated with a class of medications called beta blockers (for example, propranolol, atenolol). Antithyroid drugs or thionamides are not effective in treating this condition.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The condition should improve on its own. However, the illness may last for months. Long-term or severe complications do not usually occur.
Possible Complications
- Permanent hypothyroidism
- Subacute thyroiditis returns after treatment
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
- You have symptoms of this disorder
- You have thyroiditis and symptoms do not improve with treatment
Prevention
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunization (vaccine) or flu vaccine may help prevent these conditions, which can cause subacute thyroiditis. Other causes may not be preventable.
References
Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 244.
Review Date:
6/17/2008
Reviewed By:
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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