Post-Viral Subacute Thyroiditis Presenting With Severe Neck Pain and Transient Thyrotoxicosis: An Expanded Case Report and Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/5h3eqx77Keywords:
Subacute hyroiditis, Ultrasonography, TreatmentAbstract
Background: Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland that typically follows viral infections and is characterized by anterior neck pain, elevated inflammatory markers, and transient thyrotoxicosis.
Case Presentation: In this report, we describe a 42-year-old man who presented with progressive anterior neck discomfort, fever, tachycardia, and newly uncontrolled hypertension occurring three weeks after a febrile upper respiratory tract infection. Laboratory evaluation revealed significantly elevated inflammatory markers, suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and increased free thyroid hormones. Ultrasonography demonstrated hypoechoic, poorly vascularized areas consistent with subacute thyroiditis. The patient was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and beta-blockers, resulting in complete symptomatic and biochemical recovery by the tenth day of follow-up.
Conclusion: This case aligns with established descriptions of post-viral subacute thyroiditis and adds to the expanding literature that includes cases associated not only with classical respiratory viruses but also with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. The report emphasizes the importance of timely recognition and appropriate management of this self-limited but clinically striking condition.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Burcin Meryem Atak Tel, Ramiz Tel, Tuba Taslamacioglu Duman, Gulali Aktas (Author)
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