Tyroiditt

Tyroiditt is a term used to denote inflammation of the thyroid gland. In English, the condition is typically called thyroiditis, while “tyroiditt” appears in several languages or older texts. The condition covers a range of disorders in which the thyroid tissue is inflamed, which can affect thyroid function for a period of time or permanently.

Types and causes

Thyroiditis encompasses several distinct forms. Acute bacterial thyroiditis is rare and usually results from infection spreading to the gland; it presents with fever, neck tenderness, and requires antibiotics and sometimes drainage. Subacute thyroiditis (often called De Quervain’s) is typically painful, follows a viral illness, and is usually self-limited, with an initial phase of thyrotoxicosis that can be followed by hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by gradual thyroid destruction and usually leads to hypothyroidism. Silent or painless thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis are autoimmune-related and may cause a transient thyrotoxic phase followed by hypothyroidism; many cases resolve over weeks to months.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms depend on the stage and type and may include neck swelling or tenderness (more common in subacute thyroiditis), fatigue, weight changes, heat or cold intolerance, and mood changes. Diagnosis relies on thyroid function tests (TSH and free T4), autoantibody testing (such as anti-TPO), and thyroid ultrasound. In uncertain cases, fine-needle aspiration or radioactive iodine uptake tests may be used.

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment is type-specific. Bacterial thyroiditis requires antibiotics and possible drainage. Subacute thyroiditis is managed with NSAIDs or corticosteroids for pain and anti-thyroid symptoms; beta-blockers may help during thyrotoxic phases; thyroid hormone replacement may be used if hypothyroidism persists. Hashimoto’s and postpartum or silent thyroiditis may require temporary or ongoing thyroid hormone therapy. Prognosis varies by form, with many cases resolving or stabilizing, while autoimmune thyroiditis can lead to long-term hypothyroidism.