Which symptom is characteristic of subacute thyroiditis?

Which symptom is characteristic of subacute thyroiditis?

• A. Painful, tender neck
• B. Painless goiter
• C. Exophthalmos
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (A)

Subacute thyroiditis presents with a painful, tender neck due to inflammation of the thyroid gland. This condition often follows a viral illness and may be accompanied by fever and malaise. The tenderness distinguishes it from other thyroid conditions that can cause a goiter without pain. Early in the course, the gland can release stored thyroid hormone, leading to a temporary thyrotoxic state, followed by a possible hypothyroid phase before recovery. In contrast, exophthalmos points to Graves disease, a painless goiter is typical of Hashimoto or other noninflammatory enlargements, and weight gain can occur with hypothyroidism but is not the hallmark feature of subacute thyroiditis.

Subacute thyroiditis presents with a painful, tender neck due to inflammation of the thyroid gland. This condition often follows a viral illness and may be accompanied by fever and malaise. The tenderness distinguishes it from other thyroid conditions that can cause a goiter without pain. Early in the course, the gland can release stored thyroid hormone, leading to a temporary thyrotoxic state, followed by a possible hypothyroid phase before recovery. In contrast, exophthalmos points to Graves disease, a painless goiter is typical of Hashimoto or other noninflammatory enlargements, and weight gain can occur with hypothyroidism but is not the hallmark feature of subacute thyroiditis.