SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS

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Abstract
Eleven cases are reported of subacute thyroiditis with histopathological study; there were 9 females and 2 males. Bacteriological studies were inconclusive. Different stages of pathological involvement were observed at the same time in all patients. The clinical course followed the classical pattern in most cases: hyperthyroid-like phase, hypothyroid-like phase and recovery. Blood TSH [thyrotropin] assessment before and after TRH [thyrotropin-releasing hormone] stimulation revealed an early phase of depression unresponsive to TRH, followed by high levels with marked stimulation; during the 1st phase, radioiodine uptake was low but was enhanced by exogenous TSH administration; the low uptake seems to be due to low TSH levels and not to complete destruction of the thyroid gland. Failure of TSH levels to rise after TRH stimulation is typical of this disease stage. Although the final outcome is not yet predictable in some patients, definitive myxedema appears probable in 2 cases.

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