Thyroiditis: a clinical review.

Thyroiditis is a spectrum of diseases that includes acute, subacute and chronic thyroiditis, all of which demonstrate the histologic findings of inflammation, fibrosis or lymphocytic infiltration. Acute thyroiditis is an infectious disease characterized by the abrupt onset of anterior neck pain and swelling. Subacute thyroiditis can have a viral or autoimmune etiology and may present with or without thyroid pain. Chronic thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of asymptomatic goiter and hypothyroidism. Each type of thyroiditis has a distinct clinical presentation and laboratory profile that allows the clinician to identify the disease and provide proper management.