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Painful thyroid nodule, a misleading presentation of subacute thyroiditis
Corinne Jonas1, Claude Bertrand2, Luc Michel2
1a Department of Endocrinology , CHU Dinant-Godinne , Yvoir , Belgium.
Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|August 19, 2016
Summary
Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) can present as a painful thyroid nodule, mimicking cancer. Awareness of this atypical presentation prevents unnecessary thyroid surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Thyroidology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) typically presents with neck pain, fever, and hyperthyroidism, characterized by low radioactive iodine uptake.
- Classical diagnostic features include anterior neck pain radiating to the jaw/ear, asthenia, and inflammatory markers.
Observation:
- This report details two cases where subacute thyroiditis manifested initially as a painful thyroid nodule.
- Ultrasound revealed heterogeneous, hypoechoic, ill-defined areas with low vascularity, leading to suspicion of malignancy.
Findings:
- The clinical and imaging findings in these cases mimicked thyroid cancer, prompting consideration of surgical intervention.
- Histopathological examination post-surgery would be required to confirm the diagnosis if surgery were performed.
Implications:
- Clinicians must recognize that subacute thyroiditis can present atypically as a painful thyroid nodule.
- Increased awareness can prevent misdiagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgical procedures for subacute thyroiditis.
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