Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis is a form of
thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located on the front of the neck below the laryngeal prominence, and makes hormones that control metabolism.
Signs and symptoms
There are many different signs and sympto ...
. Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis may occur at any age and is more common in females. A variant of subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis occurs postpartum:
postpartum thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis refers to thyroid dysfunction occurring in the first 12 months after pregnancy and may involve hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or the two sequentially. According to the National Institute of Health, postpartum thyroiditis a ...
. Both of these entities can be considered subtypes of
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and Hashimoto's disease, is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed. Early on, symptoms may not be noticed. Over time, the thyroid may enlarg ...
and have an autoimmune basis. Anti-thyroid antibodies are common in all three and the underlying histology is similar.
[''Thyroiditis: Differential Diagnosis and Management'', American Family Physician, February 15, 2000]
/ref>de Quervain's thyroiditis
De Quervain's thyroiditis, also known as subacute granulomatous thyroiditis or giant cell thyroiditis, is a member of the group of thyroiditis conditions known as resolving thyroiditis. People of all ages and genders may be affected.
Presentati ...
which is another form of subacute thyroiditis.
Symptoms and signs
Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis features a small goiter
A goitre, or goiter, is a swelling in the neck resulting from an enlarged thyroid gland. A goitre can be associated with a thyroid that is not functioning properly.
Worldwide, over 90% of goitre cases are caused by iodine deficiency. The term is ...
without tenderness. This condition tends to have a phase of hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the condition that occurs due to excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis is the condition that occurs due to excessive thyroid hormone of any cause and therefore includes hyperthyroidis ...
followed by a return to a euthyroid
The thyroid, or thyroid gland, is an endocrine gland in vertebrates. In humans it is in the neck and consists of two connected lobes. The lower two thirds of the lobes are connected by a thin band of tissue called the thyroid isthmus. The thy ...
state, and then a phase of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (also called ''underactive thyroid'', ''low thyroid'' or ''hypothyreosis'') is a disorder of the endocrine system in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It can cause a number of symptoms, such as ...
, followed again by a return to the euthyroid state. The time span of each phase can vary; however, each phase usually lasts 2–3 months.[
]
Diagnosis
Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis can only be diagnosed correctly by taking a radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU) test.[Description of Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test, WebMD.com, August 14, 2008]
/ref> During both the hyperthyroid and hypothyroid phases, radioiodine uptake is decreased.
/ref> This situation contrasts greatly with the elevated iodine uptake found in patients with Graves' disease
Graves' disease (german: Morbus Basedow), also known as toxic diffuse goiter, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. It frequently results in and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It also often results in an enlarged thyro ...
.[
]
Treatment
Treatment is based on symptoms. Beta-blockers
Beta blockers, also spelled β-blockers, are a class of medications that are predominantly used to manage abnormal heart rhythms, and to protect the heart from a second heart attack after a first heart attack (secondary prevention). They are al ...
relieve rapid heart rate and excessive sweating during the hyperthyroid phase.[
]
References
{{Thyroid disease
Thyroid disease