Recognizing De Quervain Tiroiditis

Recognizing de quervain thyroiditis

De quervain thyroiditis is a subacute inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland. It usually occurs in middle aged woman with non-specific symptoms like recurring sore throat accompanied by neck tenderness. In addition, some patients frequently suffer from fever and malaise. The enhancement of  T3 and T4 level thyroid hormone was not uncommon.

The causes of De quervain thyroiditis was unknown. Researchers predict, it often occurs after upper gastrointestinal tract infection and associated with viral infection, however it has not proven yet. On clinical examination, there is often an asymmetrical enlargement or lump which involve both thyroid glands. In the setting of typical cases the gland enlarges about twice its normal size. At the advance stage, the lump will appear more solid.

Surgery was held for treatment and continues with pathology examination thyroid gland tissues. The purposes of pathology examination were to confirm it is a benign lesion include inflammatory process or malignant lesion. Based on microscopic examination, it will show an extensive area of inflammation and granuloma. Granuloma consist of epithelioid cells, histiocytes, lymphocytes and multinucleated giant cell with non-caseating necrosis. The multinucleated or foreign body giant cells will digest colloid fluid which produce by thyroid follicle cells. Therefore, its very important to get proper examination of lump located at the neck area. Early detection of the disease will give an appropriate treatment.