A case of an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule combined with subacute thyroiditis / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis is Graves' disease, followed by toxic adenoma, multiple nodular toxic goiter, and temporary thyroiditis. At initial presentation, however, it is often difficult to recognizinge subacute thyroiditis as a thyroid disease is often difficult. In many cases, subacute thyroiditis may be mistaken for certain upper respiratory infectious diseases, due to their similar clinical manifestations. Additionally, when subacute thyroiditis coexists with a thyroid nodule or is accompanied by severe thyrotoxicosis, it can be misdiagnosed as a thyroid tumor, toxic adenoma, or Graves' disease. Here we report the case of an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule combined with subacute thyroiditis, which was nearly misdiagnosed as toxic adenoma. This is the first reported case in Korea of a patient who had an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule combined with subacute thyroiditis, which was nearly misdiagnosed as toxic adenoma.