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Recurrent hemithyroiditis: a case report
S Nakamura1, Y Saio, M Ishimori
1Department of Internal Medicine, Gifu Red Cross Hospital, Japan.
Endocrine Journal
|January 9, 1999
Summary
This study details a young girl experiencing recurrent painful thyroiditis affecting only her right thyroid lobe, potentially triggered by upper respiratory infections. The condition resolved with treatment, suggesting a link to chronic thyroiditis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Recurrent painful thyroiditis is a rare condition.
- Chronic thyroiditis can present with varied clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- A girl presented with recurrent, painful inflammation of the right thyroid lobe, associated with upper respiratory infections.
- Clinical examination revealed a tender, enlarged, and hypoechoic right thyroid lobe, with normal left lobe findings.
- Laboratory tests showed elevated inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) during episodes.
Findings:
- Thyroid ultrasound demonstrated unilateral hypoechogenicity of the right lobe.
- Thyroid function tests were largely normal, with transiently elevated thyroglobulin levels during attacks.
- Positive anti-thyroid antibodies indicated an underlying chronic thyroiditis.
Implications:
- Recurrent hemithyroiditis may be associated with chronic thyroiditis and triggered by infections.
- Prompt treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids can resolve acute episodes.
- This case highlights the importance of considering autoimmune thyroid disease in unilateral thyroid inflammation.