[Thyroid nodule secondary to subacute thyroiditis. 8 cases (author's transl)]

This description of 8 cases of thyroid nodules secondary to subacute thyroiditis serves to emphasise the relative prevalence of the circumscribed forms. These nodules, variable in size, firm and painful, developed after a period of cervical discomfort and pain. A contrast between a raised or normal blood hormone level and a very low uptake of I131 was found in five cases. It was all the more valuable when there was no iodine overload. Scintigraphy showed the nodule to be cold in 6 cases, isofixing in one and hot in one case. An essential diagnostic criterion is the rapidly favourable course: 4 nodules disappeared completely, 3 regressed in less than 6 months and one persisted, justifying excision with histopathological examination since localised thyroiditis of this type may be the presenting feature of a carcinoma.