Subacute Thyroiditis Exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: It was aimed to evaluate the etiological relationship between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and subacute thyroiditis (SAT). We also wanted to point out the fact that these two entities may have similar clinical features. Materials and Methods: During the 4th month of the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic in our country; five patients were referred to our clinic for neck ultrasonography (USG) with a suspected diagnosis of SAT based on clinical and laboratory features. Past medical history, contact history, and COVID-19 Polyerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test results of these cases were evaluated. Results: Subfebrile fever, sore throat, burning sensation in the throat, difficulty in swallowing were the presenting symptoms of the patients. All cases had abnormal thyroid hormone values and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate/C-Reactive Protein (CRP) values. USG showed increased thyroid gland volume in four patients. Hypovascularized heterogeneous hypoechoic patchy areas in thyroid parenchyma were observed in all patients without discrete nodules. Ultrasound elastography revealed parenchymal heterogeneity and stiffness. Low-dose non-contrast chest computerized tomography (CT) findings was normal with negative Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results in patients. Conclusion: Subacute thyroiditis, which is often accused by viral agents in etiology, may also be associated with SARS-CoV-2. The similarity of clinical and laboratory findings between subacute thyroiditis and COVID-19 infection may pose diagnostic challenges.