Familial occurrence of painful subacute thyroiditis associated with human leukocyte antigen-B35

Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a spontaneously remitting inflammatory disorder of the thyroid that is presumed to be virally induced in genetically predisposed individuals. A strong association has been suggested between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B35 and patients who developed SAT. However, familial occurrence of SAT associated with HLA-B35 is reported only rarely.

We report three sibs, (two brothers and one sister) living in the same Lebanese town, who developed SAT during an 18-month-period. All tested positive for HLA-B35.

The family described here represents the first Third World third familial report of SAT associated with HLA-B35. It highlights the probably underestimated importance of genetic predisposition to SAT in families.