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Subacute thyroiditis - Overview

Alternative Names

De Quervain's thyroiditis; Subacute nonsuppurative thyroiditis; Giant cell thyroiditis; Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis

Definition of Subacute thyroiditis:

Subacute thyroiditis involves swelling (inflammation) of the thyroid gland that usually follows an upper respiratory infection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.

Endocrine glands

Thyroid gland

Reviewed last on: 6/17/2008
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.

References

Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 244.

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