[Subacute thyroiditis as seen initially in otorhinolaryngology department: a report of 30 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the pharyngeal presentations and the diagnostic value of thyroid SPECT and thyroid fine needle biopsy (FNB) in subacute thyroiditis (SAT) as seen initially in otorhinolaryngology department.

METHODS

Thirty patients with SAT were mainly recorded about pharyngeal symptoms and performed about serum T3, T4 level and thyroid SPECT imaging or combining thyroid FNB.

RESULT: Of 30 patients, 21 had variant sore throat, 9 had abnormal sensation of throat. 6 were diagnosed as having SAT by only SPECT, the remaining 24 by that combined with FNB, 2 of whom were finally considered as having SAT by oral Prednisone therapy.

CONCLUSION

Sore throat and abnormal sensation of throat are the important presentations of SAT, thyroid SPECT imaging and thyroid FNB are valuable on diagnosing SAT.