How is thyroiditis diagnosed?
Thyroiditis is detected through a careful medical history, physical examination, and measurement of blood tests, including thyroid hormone (T4 and T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and antithyroid antibodies. A radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) may be measured in certain circumstances to help establish the diagnosis. In Hashimoto's disease, the thyroid gland is mildly enlarged and has a lumpy texture. The T4 and T3 levels are low, and TSH levels are high, indicating hypothyroidism.
The majority of patients have antibodies detected in the blood that react against the thyroid. Subacute thyroiditis occurs after a viral infection; the thyroid gland is enlarged and painful. An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is noted. The T4 and T3 levels are elevated and the TSH is suppressed. The RAIU is low. Silent thyroiditis has a presentation that is similar to subacute thyroiditis, except that the physical examination is normal. Postpartum thyroiditis is diagnosed in women 38 months after pregnancy. Depending on the timing of the blood work, the patient may be either hyperthyroid or hypothyroid. The RAIU is low. Thyroiditis is curable with appropriate medical treatment. |
