ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a self-limiting, inflammatory thyroid disease possibly caused by viral infection. In recent years, the incidence of SAT is increasing, especially during the pandemic of the COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and recovery time of capsular thyroid injection therapy under ultrasound guidance for SAT. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with SAT were divided into two groups. Patients in group A (n = 48) received an ultrasound-guided capsular injection consisting of dexamethasone (DEX) and lidocaine in the thyroid lesion area, while patients in group B (n = 25) received oral prednisolone (PSL). The two groups were compared for pain relief and treatment duration, the recovery time of thyroid function, recurrence rates, hypothyroidism incidence, and drug-related side effects. RESULTS: The follow-up time was 1 year. In group A, the duration of pain relief, treatment, and recovery time of thyroid function were significantly shorter than that in group B (P < .05), and no statistically significant differences in recurrence rate or incidence of hypothyroidism were observed (P > .05). Weight gain was significantly higher in group A at the end of treatment (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with oral PSL treatment, ultrasound-guided local injection of DEX and lidocaine into the capsular thyroid is a safe and effective procedure that can significantly reduce the treatment time of SAT.