endocrine and metabolic disorders
Subacute Thyroiditis
Key Points
Manifestations of subacute thyroiditis are usually fever, neck pain, and an enlarged, tender thyroid. Patients are initially hyperthyroid, with low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and elevated free thyroxine (T4); they sometimes then become transiently hypothyroid, with high TSH and low free T4. Treatment is with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs plus sometimes corticosteroids and/or a beta-blocker. 