Multifocal idiopathic fibrosclerosis manifesting with Riedel's thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss our experience with a case of Riedel's thyroiditis manifesting in conjunction with several other fibrosclerotic lesions.

METHODS

We describe a case of multifocal fibrosclerosis and its response to glucocorticoid therapy.

RESULTS

A 46-year-old man with dyspnea, dysphagia, and hoarseness was found to have Riedel's thyroiditis, sclerosing cholangitis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and renal cortical fibrosis. Treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids in the early stages of the disease and maintenance therapy with low-dose glucocorticoids in later stages of the disease had a beneficial effect. Serial follow-up assessments with determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and computed tomographic imaging of the abdomen and thorax are recommended for monitoring of disease activity.

CONCLUSION

Glucocorticoids are currently the treatment of choice for progressive multifocal fibrosclerosis. Accumulation of further clinical data is needed to determine more precise treatment strategies.