De Quervain's thyroiditis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = De Quervain's thyroiditis
| image          = [[File:Subacute_thyroiditis_-_intermed_mag.jpg|alt=Micrograph of subacute thyroiditis]]
| caption        = Micrograph of subacute thyroiditis
| field          = [[Endocrinology]]
| synonyms        = Subacute thyroiditis, subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, giant cell thyroiditis
| symptoms        = [[Neck pain]], [[fever]], [[fatigue]], [[thyroid dysfunction]]
| complications  = [[Hypothyroidism]], [[hyperthyroidism]]
| onset          = Sudden
| duration        = Weeks to months
| causes          = [[Viral infection]]
| risks          = Recent [[upper respiratory tract infection]]
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical examination]], [[thyroid function test]], [[ESR]]
| differential    = [[Hashimoto's thyroiditis]], [[Graves' disease]], [[thyroid cancer]]
| treatment      = [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug|NSAIDs]], [[corticosteroids]]
| prognosis      = Generally good
| frequency      = Rare
}}
== De Quervain's Thyroiditis ==
== De Quervain's Thyroiditis ==
<!--[[File:Thyroid_gland.png|-->[[The thyroid gland, where De Quervain's thyroiditis occurs]]
<!--[[File:Thyroid_gland.png|-->[[The thyroid gland, where De Quervain's thyroiditis occurs]]
'''De Quervain's thyroiditis''', also known as subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the thyroid gland. It is named after the Swiss surgeon Fritz de Quervain, who first described the disease in 1904. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of pain and swelling in the front of the neck, which is often accompanied by fever and fatigue.
'''De Quervain's thyroiditis''', also known as subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the thyroid gland. It is named after the Swiss surgeon Fritz de Quervain, who first described the disease in 1904. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of pain and swelling in the front of the neck, which is often accompanied by fever and fatigue.
=== Causes ===
=== Causes ===
The exact cause of De Quervain's thyroiditis is still unknown. However, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can be triggered by a viral infection, such as a respiratory infection or the flu. Certain genetic factors may also play a role in the development of this condition.
The exact cause of De Quervain's thyroiditis is still unknown. However, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can be triggered by a viral infection, such as a respiratory infection or the flu. Certain genetic factors may also play a role in the development of this condition.
=== Symptoms ===
=== Symptoms ===
The most common symptoms of De Quervain's thyroiditis include:
The most common symptoms of De Quervain's thyroiditis include:
* Pain and tenderness in the front of the neck
* Pain and tenderness in the front of the neck
* Swelling and enlargement of the thyroid gland
* Swelling and enlargement of the thyroid gland
Line 18: Line 30:
* Fatigue and weakness
* Fatigue and weakness
* Low-grade fever
* Low-grade fever
=== Diagnosis ===
=== Diagnosis ===
To diagnose De Quervain's thyroiditis, a healthcare professional will typically perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history. Blood tests may be conducted to measure the levels of thyroid hormones and detect any signs of inflammation. In some cases, an ultrasound or a radioactive iodine uptake scan may be recommended to assess the structure and function of the thyroid gland.
To diagnose De Quervain's thyroiditis, a healthcare professional will typically perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history. Blood tests may be conducted to measure the levels of thyroid hormones and detect any signs of inflammation. In some cases, an ultrasound or a radioactive iodine uptake scan may be recommended to assess the structure and function of the thyroid gland.
=== Treatment ===
=== Treatment ===
<!--[[File:Levothyroxine_tablets.jpg|-->[[Levothyroxine tablets, commonly prescribed for thyroid disorders]]
<!--[[File:Levothyroxine_tablets.jpg|-->[[Levothyroxine tablets, commonly prescribed for thyroid disorders]]
Treatment for De Quervain's thyroiditis focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation.
Treatment for De Quervain's thyroiditis focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation.
In most cases, De Quervain's thyroiditis is a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves on its own within a few months. However, some individuals may experience recurrent episodes or develop long-term hypothyroidism. In such cases, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually in the form of levothyroxine, may be necessary to restore normal thyroid function.
In most cases, De Quervain's thyroiditis is a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves on its own within a few months. However, some individuals may experience recurrent episodes or develop long-term hypothyroidism. In such cases, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually in the form of levothyroxine, may be necessary to restore normal thyroid function.
=== Complications ===
=== Complications ===
While De Quervain's thyroiditis is generally a benign condition, there are potential complications that can arise. These include:
While De Quervain's thyroiditis is generally a benign condition, there are potential complications that can arise. These include:
* Permanent damage to the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism
* Permanent damage to the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism
* Recurrent episodes of thyroiditis
* Recurrent episodes of thyroiditis
* Rarely, the development of a thyroid abscess or a thyroid nodule
* Rarely, the development of a thyroid abscess or a thyroid nodule
=== Prevention ===
=== Prevention ===
As the exact cause of De Quervain's thyroiditis is unknown, there are no specific preventive measures that can be taken. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress, may help support overall immune system health.
As the exact cause of De Quervain's thyroiditis is unknown, there are no specific preventive measures that can be taken. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress, may help support overall immune system health.
=== References ===
=== References ===
<references />
<references />
== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Thyroiditis]]
* [[Thyroiditis]]
* [[Autoimmune Disease]]
* [[Autoimmune Disease]]
* [[Thyroid Gland]]
* [[Thyroid Gland]]
[[Category:Thyroid disorders]]
[[Category:Thyroid disorders]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
[[Category:Endocrine system]]
[[Category:Endocrine system]]

Latest revision as of 13:50, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

De Quervain's thyroiditis
Micrograph of subacute thyroiditis
Synonyms Subacute thyroiditis, subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, giant cell thyroiditis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Neck pain, fever, fatigue, thyroid dysfunction
Complications Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
Onset Sudden
Duration Weeks to months
Types N/A
Causes Viral infection
Risks Recent upper respiratory tract infection
Diagnosis Clinical examination, thyroid function test, ESR
Differential diagnosis Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, thyroid cancer
Prevention N/A
Treatment NSAIDs, corticosteroids
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


De Quervain's Thyroiditis[edit]

The thyroid gland, where De Quervain's thyroiditis occurs De Quervain's thyroiditis, also known as subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the thyroid gland. It is named after the Swiss surgeon Fritz de Quervain, who first described the disease in 1904. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of pain and swelling in the front of the neck, which is often accompanied by fever and fatigue.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of De Quervain's thyroiditis is still unknown. However, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can be triggered by a viral infection, such as a respiratory infection or the flu. Certain genetic factors may also play a role in the development of this condition.

Symptoms[edit]

The most common symptoms of De Quervain's thyroiditis include:

  • Pain and tenderness in the front of the neck
  • Swelling and enlargement of the thyroid gland
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Low-grade fever

Diagnosis[edit]

To diagnose De Quervain's thyroiditis, a healthcare professional will typically perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history. Blood tests may be conducted to measure the levels of thyroid hormones and detect any signs of inflammation. In some cases, an ultrasound or a radioactive iodine uptake scan may be recommended to assess the structure and function of the thyroid gland.

Treatment[edit]

Levothyroxine tablets, commonly prescribed for thyroid disorders Treatment for De Quervain's thyroiditis focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation. In most cases, De Quervain's thyroiditis is a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves on its own within a few months. However, some individuals may experience recurrent episodes or develop long-term hypothyroidism. In such cases, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually in the form of levothyroxine, may be necessary to restore normal thyroid function.

Complications[edit]

While De Quervain's thyroiditis is generally a benign condition, there are potential complications that can arise. These include:

  • Permanent damage to the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism
  • Recurrent episodes of thyroiditis
  • Rarely, the development of a thyroid abscess or a thyroid nodule

Prevention[edit]

As the exact cause of De Quervain's thyroiditis is unknown, there are no specific preventive measures that can be taken. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress, may help support overall immune system health.

References[edit]

<references />

See Also[edit]