Silent thyroiditis - Overview
Alternative Names
Lymphocytic thyroiditis; Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis; Painless thyroiditis
Definition of Silent thyroiditis:
Silent thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland that involves alternating hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism followed by recovery.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The cause of this type of thyroiditis is unknown. The disease affects women more often than men and usually develops in people between ages 13 and 80.
- Reviewed last on: 10/24/2007
- Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
References
AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Evaluation and Treatment of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6) 459.
