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Silent thyroiditis

Definition

Silent thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland that involves alternating hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism followed by recovery.

Alternative Names

Lymphocytic thyroiditis; Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis; Painless thyroiditis

Causes

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.

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.

Review Date: 10/24/2007
Reviewed By: 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.

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