Diagnosis: Granulomatous thyroiditis (de Quervain’s thyroiditis/giant cell thyroiditis)
• Granulomatous thyroiditis, de Quervain’s thyroiditis, and giant cell thyroiditis are synonyms referring to the same condition.
• Many patients show the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism during the early stages of granulomatous thyroiditis. This effect may last for weeks or months.
• Even though the thyroid may show extensive damage, it usually regenerates and most patients eventually become euthyroid.
• Evidence suggests that granulomatous thyroiditis can be caused by various viruses.
• There is no evidence linking granulomatous thyroiditis, which typically involves both lobes, with Riedel’s thyroiditis, which typically occurs unilaterally.