Prolonged and Recurrent De Quervain's Thyroiditis After Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration

De Quervain's thyroiditis (subacute thyroiditis) is a self-limited inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is diagnosed based on clinical history, physical examination, labs, and thyroid imaging. Thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) is typically not recommended unless the diagnosis is unclear or there are clinical signs concerning for malignancy. We present the case of a 75-year-old male who presented with symptoms of De Quervain's thyroiditis and an inflammatory thyroid nodule. He had a thyroid FNA for further evaluation of the thyroid nodule. Ultimately, his clinical course was prolonged after he had a thyroid FNA, which was presumed to have contributed to further thyroid inflammation. This case highlights the importance of distinguishing De Quervain's thyroiditis from other causes of thyroid pain, as well as the use of serial thyroid ultrasounds, as it may help avoid unnecessary FNA.