27.) Thyroiditis Flashcards
(6 cards)
What is thyroiditis?
Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which produces hormones regulating metabolism, heart rate, and other vital functions.
What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, and depression. Diagnosis involves blood tests showing high TSH levels and antibodies against TPO. Treatment includes thyroid hormone replacement therapy (e.g., levothyroxine).
What is Subacute Thyroiditis?
Subacute Thyroiditis often follows a viral infection such as the flu or mumps.
Symptoms include a painful, tender thyroid gland, fever, fatigue, and neck pain that may radiate to the jaw or ears.
Diagnosis includes elevated ESR and low radioactive iodine uptake.
Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications, beta-blockers for hyperthyroid symptoms, and corticosteroids in severe cases.
What is Postpartum Thyroiditis?
Postpartum thyroiditis is a temporary inflammation of the thyroid gland that occurs within 1 year after delivery.
⸻
🔄 It often has two phases:
1. Hyperthyroid phase (1–3 months postpartum) → due to hormone leakage
2. Hypothyroid phase (3–6 months postpartum) → due to hormone depletion
• Most women return to normal by 12 months
⸻
🧠 Cause: Autoimmune
• Often related to anti-thyroid antibodies (e.g., anti-TPO)
⸻
🩺 Symptoms:
• Hyper: anxiety, weight loss, palpitations
• Hypo: fatigue, weight gain, depression
⸻
✅ Most cases resolve spontaneously.
Some may need temporary beta-blockers (for hyper phase) or levothyroxine (for hypo phase).
What is Drug-Induced Thyroiditis?
Drug-Induced Thyroiditis occurs due to certain medications (e.g., amiodarone, lithium, interferons) that can cause thyroid inflammation.
Symptoms vary depending on whether the drug induces hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis includes history of drug intake and thyroid function tests. Treatment involves discontinuation of the offending drug and managing symptoms as needed.
What is Radiation-Induced Thyroiditis?
Radiation-Induced Thyroiditis results from radiation therapy to the neck or radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the thyroid gland, with symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis involves history of radiation exposure and thyroid function tests. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief and thyroid hormone replacement if necessary.
