Subacute thyroiditis after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland, often following viral infections.
• Previous reports have documented subacute thyroiditis after viral infections, including COVID-19, and influenza vaccination.
• Recent literature suggests a possible link between mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and subacute thyroiditis.

Observation:

• A young, healthy female with papillary thyroid carcinoma underwent thyroid surgery.
• Histological examination revealed Hashimoto's thyroiditis and extensive subacute thyroiditis in the resected thyroid lobe.
• The patient received an mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine six days before a second thyroid surgery.

Findings:

• The observed subacute thyroiditis in the thyroid lobe was extensive and widespread.
• No other etiological factors were identified to explain the subacute thyroiditis.
• The timing of the vaccination prior to the development of thyroiditis suggests a potential causal relationship.

Implications:

• The findings suggest that mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may be a potential trigger for subacute thyroiditis in susceptible individuals.
• Further research is warranted to investigate the immunopathological mechanisms underlying vaccine-associated subacute thyroiditis.
• This case highlights the importance of considering vaccination as a potential cause of subacute thyroiditis in clinical practice.