Subacute (de Quervain's) thyroiditis is the label given to a viral infection which causes a painful goitre and potentially transient hyper or hypo thyroidism.
In addition to a painful goitre the patient may have a fever and dysphagia.
Classically it occurs following a upper respiratory tract infection but it may occur after any viral illness (mumps, adenovirus) and also post-partum.
Histology would show multi-nucleated giant cells.
Radioiodine uptake is typically less than 1% at 24 hrs.
Treatment is with NSAIDs. It resolves spontaneously.
Onwards to Hashimotos...
