Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
05:10
Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach
Published on: September 15, 2023
[Pharyngitis, massive ESR elevation and hyperthyroidism in a 71-year-old female patient]
Der Internist
|August 24, 2004
Summary
This case study highlights acute/subacute thyroiditis de Quervain, a rare inflammatory thyroid disorder. Prompt prednisone treatment improved symptoms, but led to subsequent hypothyroidism requiring thyroxine therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Subacute thyroiditis de Quervain is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland.
- It often presents with neck pain, fatigue, and abnormal thyroid function tests.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old female presented with persistent sore throat, unilateral neck swelling, and fatigue.
- Initial lab results showed elevated T3 and T4, low TSH, and high ESR.
- Thyroid ultrasound revealed an inhomogeneous, hypoechoic pattern with suppressed (99m)Tc pertechnetate uptake.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with acute/subacute thyroiditis de Quervain based on clinical and laboratory findings.
- Treatment with prednisone resulted in rapid symptom improvement.
- Following treatment, the patient developed asymptomatic hypothyroidism necessitating thyroxine replacement.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering de Quervain's thyroiditis in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory thyroid disorders.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for patient recovery.
- Monitoring for subsequent hypothyroidism is essential after acute thyroiditis episodes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:27Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...