Scribd
Upload
21 views

Painless (Silent) Thyroiditis: Thyroid Gland

Painless thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland characterized by passing hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism and recovery. The cause is unknown but it affects women more than men aged 13 to 80. Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness and sweating which last up to 3 months. Tests show an enlarged thyroid gland and increased thyroid hormone levels. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with beta blockers and it usually resolves in a year, though some patients develop hypothyroidism and require follow up.

Uploaded by

fynnero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
21 views

Painless (Silent) Thyroiditis: Thyroid Gland

Painless thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland characterized by passing hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism and recovery. The cause is unknown but it affects women more than men aged 13 to 80. Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness and sweating which last up to 3 months. Tests show an enlarged thyroid gland and increased thyroid hormone levels. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with beta blockers and it usually resolves in a year, though some patients develop hypothyroidism and require follow up.

Uploaded by

fynnero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Painless (silent) thyroiditis

Thyroid gland
Definition:
Painless (silent) thyoiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland characterized by passing
hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism and recovery.
Alternative Names:
Lymphocytic thyroiditis; Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The cause of this type of thyroiditis is unknown. The disease affects women more often than
men and usually develops in people between age 13 and 80. The symptoms are those
of hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland), and may last for 3 months or less.
Symptoms:
Symptoms in painless thyroiditis are usually mild. Most symptoms are due to hyperthyroidism
and may include:

weight loss
increased appetite

nervousness, restlessness

heat intolerance

increased sweating

fatigue

muscle cramps

frequent bowel movements

menstrual irregularities

weakness

irritability

palpitations
Signs and tests:
A physical examination reveals an enlarged thyroid gland. The pulse (heart rate) may be rapid
and the hands may shake.

Radioactive iodine uptake is decreased.


Serum T3 and T4 are elevated.

A thyroid biopsy shows invasion of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) into the
gland.
Treatment:
Treatment is based on symptoms. Beta-blockers (Propranolol and others) relieve rapid heart rate
and excessive sweating. Generally, painless thyroiditis will resolve on its own in time.
Expectations (prognosis):
The disease is usually resolved within 1 year, with the acute phase ending in 3 months. Some
people may develop hypothyroidism over time, so regular follow-up is recommended.
Complications:
hypothyroidism
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.

If you have had this disease, regular follow-up is recommended to watch for the development of
hypothyroidism.
Review Date: 1/18/2006
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of
Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

You might also like