Silent thyroiditis
Encyclopedia
Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis is a form of thyroiditis
that is also known as silent thyroiditis or painless thyroiditis.Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis may occur at any age and is more common in females. A variant of subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis occurs postpartum - postpartum thyroiditis. Both these entities can be considered subtypes of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have an autoimmune basis. Anti-thyroid antibodies are common in all three and the underlying histology is similar.
without tenderness. This condition tends to have a phase of hyperthyroidism
followed by a return to a euthyroid
state, and then a phase of hypothyroidism
, 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.
, or RAIU test.
During the hyperthyroid phase, iodine uptake is suppressed, while during the hypothyroid phase, uptake is increased.
This situation contrasts greatly with the elevated iodine uptake found in patients with Graves' disease
.
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.-Classification:...
that is also known as silent thyroiditis or painless thyroiditis.Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis may occur at any age and is more common in females. A variant of subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis occurs postpartum - postpartum thyroiditis. Both these entities can be considered subtypes of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have an autoimmune basis. Anti-thyroid antibodies are common in all three and the underlying histology is similar.
Symptoms
Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis features a small goiterGoitre
A goitre or goiter , is a swelling in the thyroid gland, which can lead to a swelling of the neck or larynx...
without tenderness. This condition tends to have a phase of hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the term for overactive tissue within the thyroid gland causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones . Hyperthyroidism is thus a cause of thyrotoxicosis, the clinical condition of increased thyroid hormones in the blood. Hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are not synonymous...
followed by a return to a euthyroid
Euthyroid
Euthyroid is the state of having normal thyroid gland function.Examples of a nonfunctioning thyroid gland may be hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or thyroiditis....
state, and then a phase of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide but it can be caused by other causes such as several conditions of the thyroid gland or, less commonly, the pituitary gland or...
, 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 testRadioactive iodine uptake test
The radioactive iodine uptake test, or RAIU test, is a type of scan used in the diagnosis of thyroid problems, particularly hyperthyroidism. It is entirely different from radioactive iodine therapy , which uses much higher doses to destroy cancerous cells...
, or RAIU test.
During the hyperthyroid phase, iodine uptake is suppressed, while during the hypothyroid phase, uptake is increased.
This situation contrasts greatly with the elevated iodine uptake found in patients with Graves' disease
Graves' disease
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease where the thyroid is overactive, producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones...
.