Recurrence of Subacute Thyroiditis: Report of Two Cases / 대한내분비학회지

ABSTRACT

Subacute thyroiditis is a self-limited inflammatory disease of viral etiology. Patients of subacute thyroiditis usually recover completely with no sequelae and recurrences are infrequent. We report two cases of recurrent subacute thyroiditis. Case 1) A 21-year-old female visited the hospital for evaluation of neck pain. She had a history of antecedent upper respiratory infection, which had been followed for 10 days. She experienced heat intolerance, sweating, palpitation and tremor. On physical examination, her heart rate was 108/min and diffuse, firm and tender goiter was palpated. Thyrotoxicosis and decreased uptake on thyroid scan were found. We diagnosed subacute thyroiditis and she recovered with salicylate and beta blocker treatment. Two years later, she revisited our hospital with the same complaint. Typical findings of subacute thyroiditis were noticed. She recovered once more with the same treatment regimen. Case 2) A 54-year-old female visited the hospital for evaluation of neck pain. She had a history of antecedent upper respiratory infection, which was followed for 14 days. She experienced heat intolerance, sweating, palpitation and weight loss. On physical examination, her heart rate was 112/min and diffuse, firm and tender goiter was palpated. Thyrotoxicosis and decreased uptake on thyroid scan were found. We diagnosed subacute thyroiditis and recovered with prednisolone and beta blocker treatment. About eight months later, she revisited our hospital with the same complaint. Typical findings of subacute thyroiditis were noticed.We report two subjects who experienced recurrent episodes of subacute thyroiditis separated by periods of 24 and 8 months. These cases serve as a reminder that recurrence of subacute thyroiditis can occur.