Abstract
Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) usually occurs in women in middle age with a viral prodrome, thyroid or neck tenderness, classic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). We report a case in an 81-year-old man who initially had 2 days of fever to 101.2 degrees F, confusion, and bilateral lower extremity weakness. Extensive evaluation was remarkable only for the following laboratory values: thyrotropin (TSH) 0.02 microIU/mL, free thyroxine (FT4) 3.1 ng/dL, free triiodothyronine (FT3) 6.0 pg/mL, and ESR 98 mm/hr. One week later, the patient had persistent fevers to 102 degrees F; no source was found. The fever resolved, and 3 months later the patient had profound hypothyroidism (TSH >44.0 microIU/mL, FT4 0.4 ng/dL, ESR 13 mm/hr). A painless thyroid gland and atypical manifestations of hyperthyroidism are unusual in SAT. When fever is of unknown origin, SAT should be considered even if classic features are absent.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.