Subacute Granulomatous Thyroiditis

Subacute Granulomatous Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that controls metabolism. This condition often follows a viral infection and causes the thyroid to become swollen and painful. People with this disorder may experience a tender neck, fever, and symptoms related to changes in thyroid hormone levels, such as feeling hot or tired. The inflammation temporarily disrupts the thyroid’s ability to regulate hormones, leading to phases of hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. Most cases improve over weeks to months, but the symptoms can significantly affect daily activities during the illness.

Subacute Granulomatous Thyroiditis, also known as de Quervain thyroiditis, is a self-limited inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland characterized by granulomatous inflammation with multinucleated giant cells. It is typically triggered by a preceding viral infection (e.g., Coxsackievirus, mumps, or adenovirus), leading to follicular disruption and release of preformed thyroid hormones. The condition presents with a painful, tender thyroid gland, systemic symptoms such as fever, and a triphasic thyroid function pattern: initial thyrotoxicosis due to hormone leakage, followed by hypothyroidism, and eventual recovery to euthyroid state. Histologically, the hallmark is granulomatous inflammation with disrupted follicles and giant cells. It is important to distinguish this from autoimmune thyroiditis and other causes of thyroid pain or dysfunction.