Thyroiditis

Overview

Definition
Thyroiditis: Varied group of disorder all characterized by some form of thyroid inflammation
Hyperthyroidism: denote conditions in which hyperfunction of the thyroid leads to thyrotoxicosis.
Hypothyroidism: Variety of abnormalities that cause insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones. The most common cause is autoimmune thyroid disease
Thyrotoxicosis: denotes the clinical, physiological, and biochemical findings that result when the tissues are exposed to excess thyroid hormone. It can arise in a variety of ways
Overview The term thyroiditis refers to a varied group of disorders all characterized by some form of thyroid inflammation. It includes conditions characterized by thyroid pain and tenderness and those with goiter without pain.Inflammation of the thyroid gland often leads to a transient thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism

Risk Factors

Signs and Symptoms

Acute thyroiditis

  • painful
  • tender thyroid
  • fever

De Quervain

  • Painful
  • Arthralgia
  • Respiratory tract infection
  • Malaise

Hashimoto's (hypothryoidism)

  • Painless
  • Goiter
  • Thyroid rubbery consistency and an irregular surface.

Riedel thyroiditis (chronic fibrosing thyroiditis)

  • Hard woody consistency of thyroid

Differential Diagnosis

Causes and characteristics of thyroiditis
Cause Characteristic features
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis Grossly lymphocytic and fibrotic thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism
Postpartum thyoiditis Lymphocytic thyroditis, transient thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism
Drug induced Particularly with amiodarone
De Quevain Thought to be viral in origin, multinuclear giant cells
Riedel thyroiditis Extensive fibrosis of the thyroid
Radiation thyroiditis Radiation injury, transient thyrotoxicosis

Management

Painful Thyroiditis

  • Aspirin
  • Steroids
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