Question
Which of the following thyroiditis is also known as Silent (Painless) Thyroiditis?
| A. |
Subacute lymphocytic (Silent/Painless) thyroiditis
|
| B. |
Subacute granulomatous (De Quervain) thyroiditis
|
| C. |
Chronic autoimmune (Hashimoto) thyroiditis
|
| D. |
Riedel fibrosing thyroiditis
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » A
Explanation
|
|
- Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditisis also known as:
- Silent thyroiditis
- Painless thyroiditis
- Sporadic painless thyroiditis
- It is an autoimmune disorder characterized by:
- Painless thyroid enlargement
- Transient thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism
- Low radioactive iodine uptake
- Usually self-limiting
Why Other Options are Incorrect
B. Subacute granulomatous (De Quervain) thyroiditis
- Also known as painful subacute thyroiditis.
- Usually follows a viral infection.
- Features:
- Painful, tender thyroid
- Fever
- Elevated ESR
- Neck pain radiating to jaw or ear
C. Chronic autoimmune (Hashimoto) thyroiditis
- Most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient regions.
- Characterized by:
- Chronic autoimmune destruction
- Anti-thyroid peroxidase (Anti-TPO) antibodies positive
- Hurthle cell change
- Although the gland is usually painless, it is not called painless thyroiditis.
D. Riedel fibrosing thyroiditis
- Rare fibrosing disorder of the thyroid.
- Produces a hard “woody” thyroid gland.
- Causes compressive symptoms such as dysphagia, dyspnea, and hoarseness.
