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Thyroiditis is generally caused by an immune system attack on the thyroid, resulting in inflammation and damage to the thyroid cells. This disease is often considered a malfunction of the immune system and can be associated with IgG4-related systemic disease, in which symptoms of autoimmune pancreatitis, retroperitoneal fibrosis and noninfectious aortitis also occur.
Occurrences of AIT are most common in patients with prior thyroid disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or thyroid cancer. The most common cause of infection in children is a congenital abnormality such as pyriform sinus fistula. [5] In most cases, the infection originates in the piriform sinus and spreads to the thyroid via the fistula. [7]
In the United States, autoimmune inflammation is the most common form of thyroid disease while worldwide hypothyroidism and goiter due to dietary iodine deficiency is the most common. [35] [4] According to the American Thyroid Association in 2015, approximately 20 million people in the United States alone are affected by thyroid disease.
The thyroid gland is extremely painful, rigid, and swollen, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. [2] Approximately half of affected adolescents and two-thirds of adults have widespread thyroid gland involvement. [3] [5] Thyroid nodules are seen in one-fourth of adult patients. [6] The surrounding skin is occasionally warm and erythematous.
Thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), thyroid enlargement , thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones: the most common cause is the autoimmune disorder Graves' disease.
The diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis can be made clinically by eliciting risk factors, associated symptoms, and physical examination. [1] [2] [3] Further work-up to differentiate between the etiologies of subacute thyroiditis can include: thyroid function tests (TFTs), inflammatory markers, complete blood count (CBC), and thyroid antibodies.