Subacute (De Quervain's) Thyroiditis

Key points

• Subacute (De Quervain's) thyroiditis Subacute thyroiditis (also known as De Quervain's thyroiditis and subacute granulomatous thyroiditis) is thought to occur following viral infection and typically presents with hyperthyroidism.
• phase 1 (lasts 3-6 weeks): hyperthyroidism, painful goitre, raised ESR
• phase 2 (1-3 weeks): euthyroid
• phase 3 (weeks - months): hypothyroidism
• phase 4: thyroid structure and function goes back to normal Investigations