Thyroiditis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for suppurative thyroiditis?
A. Oral beta-blockers for symptomatic relief
B. Levothyroxine
C. Radioactive iodine ablation
D. Antibiotic therapy
E. Observation and follow-up thyroid function testing
Answer and topic summary
The answer is D. Antibiotic therapy
Thyroiditis is defined as thyroid gland inflammation (+/- concurrent thyroid dysfunction). It can be painful or painless. It can also be acute, subacute, or chronic. There are many different etiologies, some including: Hashimoto (autoimmune) thyroiditis, radiation, postpartum thyroiditis, subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis, drug-induced, suppurative thyroiditis, and subacute granulomatous thyroiditis. The symptoms depend on the type of thyroiditis. Diagnostic tests include TSH, free T4 and T3, and anti-TPO antibodies. Remember, thyroid levels vary with the type of thyroiditis (some types may even reveal normal thyroid function). An ultrasound can be considered, but is not typically done. The question is specifically asking about suppurative thyroiditis, which is usually caused by a bacterium; thus, the answer is antibiotics (e.g., clindamycin, unasyn, etc).
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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Endocrinology ⇒ ⇒
