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SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine 2021The multisystem effects of SARS-CoV-2 encompass the thyroid gland as well. Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can act as a trigger for subacute thyroiditis... (Review)
Review
The multisystem effects of SARS-CoV-2 encompass the thyroid gland as well. Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can act as a trigger for subacute thyroiditis (SAT). We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar to identify cases of subacute thyroiditis associated with COVID-19 and evaluated patient-level demographics, major clinical features, laboratory findings and outcomes. In the 21 cases that we reviewed, the mean age of patients was 40.0 ± 11.3 years with a greater female preponderance (71.4%). Mean number days between the start of COVID-19 illness and the appearance of SAT symptoms were 25.2 ± 10.1. Five patients were confirmed to have ongoing COVID-19, whereas the infection had resolved in 16 patients before onset of SAT symptoms. Fever and neck pain were the most common presenting complaints (81%). Ninety-four percent of patients reported some type of hyperthyroid symptoms, while the labs in all 21 patients (100%) confirmed this with low TSH and high T3 or T4. Inflammatory markers were elevated in all cases that reported ESR and CRP. All 21 cases (100%) had ultrasound findings suggestive of SAT. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs were the mainstay of treatment, and all patients reported resolution of symptoms; however, 5 patients (23.8%) were reported to have a hypothyroid illness on follow-up. Large-scale studies are needed for a better understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, but current evidence suggests that clinicians need to recognize the possibility of SAT both in ongoing and resolved COVID-19 infection to optimize patient care.
PubMed: 33942028
DOI: 10.1007/s42399-021-00912-5 -
The Journal of International Medical... Feb 2022In this review, I aim to provide a complete overview of recent advances in knowledge regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced... (Review)
Review
In this review, I aim to provide a complete overview of recent advances in knowledge regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced thyroid dysfunction. I discuss the findings regarding the role of SARS-CoV-2 in the development of thyroid dysfunction, including subacute thyroiditis, Graves' disease, non-thyroidal illness, thyrotoxicosis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis during and subsequent to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The thyroid gland and the entire hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis may represent key targets of SARS-CoV-2. Thyroid dysfunction during and subsequent to COVID-19 has been documented in clinical studies and is usually reversible. Most of the thyroid disorders, including Graves' disease, euthyroid sick syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis, have been documented as sequelae to COVID-19, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been implicated in the aetiology of each. COVID-19 has been suggested to trigger the activation of pre-existing thyroid disease or autoimmunity. Furthermore, patients with uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis are at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection-related consequences. Because of the neutropenia caused by antithyroid medications, which may obscure the signs of COVID-19, this group of patients should receive special attention. It is suggested that thyroid dysfunction during COVID-19 is caused by direct infection of the thyroid or "cytokine storm"-mediated autoimmune effects on the thyroid.
Topics: COVID-19; Graves Disease; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Thyroid Diseases
PubMed: 35226548
DOI: 10.1177/03000605221082898 -
Enfermedades Infecciosas Y... 2022
Topics: COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Humans; Thyroiditis, Subacute; Vaccination
PubMed: 35680353
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.12.009 -
Internal Medicine Journal Apr 2022COVID-19 is known to cause an acute respiratory illness, although clinical manifestations outside of the respiratory tract may occur. Early reports have identified... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 is known to cause an acute respiratory illness, although clinical manifestations outside of the respiratory tract may occur. Early reports have identified SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of subacute thyroiditis (SAT).
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, Web of Science and PubMed databases were queried in February 2021 for studies from December 2019 to February 2021. MeSH search terms 'COVID-19', 'SARS-CoV-2' and 'coronavirus' along with search terms 'thyroiditis', 'thyrotoxicosis' and 'thyroid' were used. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables were calculated.
RESULTS
Fifteen publications reporting on 17 individual cases of COVID-19-induced SAT were identified. Age ranged from 18 to 69 years. The majority (14 of 17; 82%) of cases were female. The delay between onset of respiratory symptoms and diagnosis of SAT ranged from 5 to 49 days (mean, 26.5). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome related to viral infection was uncommonly reported at the time of SAT diagnosis. Thyroid ultrasonography frequently reported an enlarged hypoechoic thyroid with decreased vascularity and heterogenous echotexture. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) was common at the time of SAT diagnosis, with results ranging from 4.5 to 176 mg/L (mean, 41 mg/L). Antithyroid antibodies were frequently negative. SAT-specific treatment included corticosteroids for 12 of 17 (70.5%) patients. Most returned to normal thyroid status.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19-associated SAT may be difficult to identify in a timely manner due to potential absence of classic symptoms, as well as cross-over of common clinical features between COVID-19 and thyrotoxicosis.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; COVID-19; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Thyroiditis, Subacute; Thyrotoxicosis; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 34139048
DOI: 10.1111/imj.15432 -
International Journal of General... 2022This systematic review endeavors to find an effective treatment protocol for subacute thyroiditis (SAT) to minimize side effects, recurrence and long-term hypothyroidism. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review endeavors to find an effective treatment protocol for subacute thyroiditis (SAT) to minimize side effects, recurrence and long-term hypothyroidism.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We analyzed available original studies on treatment protocols for SAT. A thorough literature search was performed on the following online databases PubMed, Cochrane library nd Google Scholar using appropriate keywords for choosing relevant articles. Two reviewers assessed the methodological quality of selected articles independently using a critical appraisal instrument. The results were analyzed and synthesized qualitatively using the level of evidence method.
RESULTS
The literature search retrieved a total of 460 publications after abstract screening; out of which 36 articles met the inclusion criteria. After full text screening, 23 articles were further excluded as they were focusing on aspects of SAT other than management, the remaining 15 articles were investigated for both reliability and validity. Thirteen studies provided low-quality evidence, and two randomized control trials (RCT) provided a high quality of evidence. Steroid therapy was found to be the most effective for moderate to severe SAT and provided relief from acute symptoms but was found to not be a risk factor for recurrence. Low initial doses of steroid (15 mg) were preferred over high initial dosage (30-40 mg). Furthermore, a look into the mode of steroid delivery (RCT) revealed that intrathyroidal steroid therapy can potentially become a safer and faster mode of therapy. The duration of tapering was found to be of significance as a short tapering period was linked with greater recurrence rates.
CONCLUSION
Low initial doses of steroid along with an extended tapering period may help lower recurrence rates; also, intrathyroidal steroid injections are potentially a better alternative to oral prednisone (PSN) with regard to safety and speed of action. However, the evidence is of moderate quality and further investigation is required.
PubMed: 35966510
DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S366784 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Jun 2021BACKGROUND Subacute thyroiditis, myocarditis, and hepatitis are inflammatory disorders that may develop after viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. These entities may...
BACKGROUND Subacute thyroiditis, myocarditis, and hepatitis are inflammatory disorders that may develop after viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. These entities may appear after resolution of the respiratory syndrome. CASE REPORT A previously healthy 64-year-old male patient came to the hospital reporting severe chest pain. He had a history of a COVID-19 pneumonia with PCR confirmation 4 weeks before. On admission to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), the patient had a negative PCR for SARS-CoV-2; the following tests were performed: total T3 643.4 ng/dl (reference 35-193 ng/dl), total thyroxine 12.0 μg/dl (reference 4.8-11.7 μg/dl), free T4 1.85 ng/dl (reference 0.7-1.48 ng/dl), TSH 0.01 μIU/ml (reference 0.35-4.94 μIU/ml); total bilirubin 0.76 mg/dl (reference 0.0-1.5 mg/dl), alkaline phosphatase 185 U/L (reference 40-150 U/L), alanine aminotransferase 194.6 U/L (reference 6-66 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase 93.4 U/L (reference 9-55 U/L); on admission to the CCU high-sensitivity troponin I 548.3 pg/ml (reference 0.0-34.2 pg/ml), after 24 h in the CCU 801 pg/ml, and after 11 days (as an outpatient) 4.5 pg/ml. A thyroid gammagram revealed absent uptake of the radionuclide. Normal cardiac gammagraphy and cardiac enzymes ruled out myocardial ischemia and infarction. The following diagnoses were made: myocarditis, subacute thyroiditis, and reactive hepatitis due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has been demonstrated to be a multisystemic inflammatory disorder. The serious illness that developed in our patient after relief of his pulmonary disease underlines this nature. We suggest close follow-up of patients even after apparent clinical resolution, and performing thyroid, myocardial, and liver tests if clinically indicated.
Topics: Biomarkers; COVID-19; Hepatitis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myocarditis; SARS-CoV-2; Thyroiditis, Subacute
PubMed: 34138828
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.932321 -
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism... Dec 2021There is emerging evidence of an association between COVID-19 vaccination and subacute thyroiditis. We present the case of a 42-year-old female healthcare worker who was...
SUMMARY
There is emerging evidence of an association between COVID-19 vaccination and subacute thyroiditis. We present the case of a 42-year-old female healthcare worker who was diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis 4 days after receiving her second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Her clinical course followed the classical pattern for thyroiditis with spontaneous return to euthyroidism at 6 months post-presentation. The autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants has been implicated as a cause of autoimmune conditions post-vaccination and is a potential mechanism for subacute thyroiditis in our case.
LEARNING POINTS
Subacute thyroiditis should be considered in all patients who receive any kind of vaccine for COVID-19 and subsequently develop symptoms or signs of hyperthyroidism or neck pain. Subacute thyroiditis is a self-limiting condition, and recognising it is important as no specific thyroid treatment (antithyroid drugs or thyroid hormone replacement) is necessary for most patients. The autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants may be an under-recognised cause of endocrinopathies and should particularly be considered post-vaccination.
PubMed: 34907904
DOI: 10.1530/EDM-21-0142 -
Virology Journal Jan 2009Viral infections are frequently cited as a major environmental factor involved in subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid diseases This review examines the data... (Review)
Review
Viral infections are frequently cited as a major environmental factor involved in subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid diseases This review examines the data related to the role of viruses in the development of thyroiditis. Our research has been focused on human data. We have reviewed virological data for each type of thyroiditis at different levels of evidence; epidemiological data, serological data or research on circulating viruses, direct evidence of thyroid tissue infection. Interpretation of epidemiological and serological data must be cautious as they don't prove that this pathogen is responsible for the disease. However, direct evidence of the presence of viruses or their components in the organ are available for retroviruses (HFV) and mumps in subacute thyroiditis, for retroviruses (HTLV-1, HFV, HIV and SV40) in Graves's disease and for HTLV-1, enterovirus, rubella, mumps virus, HSV, EBV and parvovirus in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, it remains to determine whether they are responsible for thyroid diseases or whether they are just innocent bystanders. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between viruses and thyroid diseases, in order to develop new strategies for prevention and/or treatment.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Male; Thyroiditis; Virus Diseases; Viruses
PubMed: 19138419
DOI: 10.1186/1743-422X-6-5 -
California Medicine Feb 1952Twenty-one cases of thyroiditis, generally considered a rare disease, were observed in the Los Angeles area in a period of less than two years. Eight of them were...
Twenty-one cases of thyroiditis, generally considered a rare disease, were observed in the Los Angeles area in a period of less than two years. Eight of them were observed at one clinic in the course of six months.Although diagnosis of the disease usually is made hesitantly or apologetically, and misdiagnosis is not uncommon, the clinical pattern is fairly characteristic. Subacute thyroiditis may cause pronounced disability. Treatment with propylthiouracil or roentgen radiation appeared to be the most effective.
Topics: Humans; Los Angeles; Thyroiditis; Thyroiditis, Subacute
PubMed: 14905284
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Jul 2020Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a thyroid disease of viral or postviral origin. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that began in Wuhan,...
CONTEXT
Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a thyroid disease of viral or postviral origin. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that began in Wuhan, China, has spread rapidly worldwide and Italy has been severely affected by this outbreak.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this work is to report the first case of SAT related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
METHODS
We describe the clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of an 18-year-old woman who came to our attention for fever, neck pain radiated to the jaw, and palpitations occurring 15 days after a SARS-CoV-2-positive oropharyngeal swab. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been mild and the patient had completely recovered in a few days.
RESULTS
At physical examination the patient presented with a slightly increased heart rate and a painful and enlarged thyroid on palpation. At laboratory exams free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine were high, thyrotropin undetectable, and inflammatory markers and white blood cell count elevated. Bilateral and diffuse hypoechoic areas were detected at neck ultrasound. One month earlier, thyroid function and imaging both were normal. We diagnosed SAT and the patient started prednisone. Neck pain and fever recovered within 2 days and the remaining symptoms within 1 week. Thyroid function and inflammatory markers normalized in 40 days.
CONCLUSIONS
We report the first case of SAT after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. We alert clinicians to additional and unreported clinical manifestations associated with COVID-19.
Topics: Adolescent; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Coronavirus Infections; Female; Humans; Italy; Leukocyte Count; Oropharynx; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Prednisone; SARS-CoV-2; Thyroid Gland; Thyroiditis, Subacute; Thyroxine; Treatment Outcome; Triiodothyronine; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 32436948
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa276