Clinical analysis of 20 cases of subacute thyroiditis manifested as fever of unknown origin / 中国感染与化疗杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the clinical features of subacute thyroiditis (SAT ) manifested as fever of unknown origin (FUO) for early diagnosis .Methods The clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively reviewed for 20 SAT patients manifected as fever of unknown origin from October 2009 to February 2013 .Results A total of 20 patients were finally diagnosed as subacute thyroiditis ,about 3% of the 661 FUO patients .Only 5 SAT patients had complained of angina or pain in the anterior region of neck .Thyroid enlargement and tenderness were observed in 14 SAT cases .Elevated serum thyroid hormone and a very low serum level of thyroid stimulating hormone were seen in 17 patients with SAT .Ultrasound scan of thyroid showed inhomogenous hypoechongenic texture in 14 patients .99m Tc pertechnetate scan of thyroid showed extremely low radiopharmaceutical uptake in all the 20 cases .All patients had received antibiotic treatment prior to admission .Conclusions Subacute thyroiditis is an uncommon but important cause of FUO .Detailed history ,physical examination and laboratory evaluation can help minimize the chance of misdiagnosis and unnecessary antibiotic therapy .