subacute thyroiditis

Subacute thyroiditis (or de Quervain thyroiditis):

An uncommon disorder, subacute thyroiditis often follows upper respiratory tract infection; may be related to viral infection
Patients generally present with an enlarged, painful, markedly tender thyroid, and signs and/or symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. Can be asymmetric
Diagnostic evaluation is notable for markedly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein levels, normal levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody, and abnormally low 24-hour radioactive iodine uptake (less than 5% in the toxic phase)
Thyrotoxicosis may be followed by a brief phase of hypothyroidism, but eventual recovery of normal thyroid function is typical
Recurrence occurs in 5% of patients over a 20-year period