An unusual form of Riedel's thyroiditis: a case report and review of the literature

Thyroid. 2005 Jan;15(1):85-8. doi: 10.1089/thy.2005.15.85.

Abstract

We report the case of a 36-year old woman with a history of long-term fever associated with a biologic inflammatory syndrome that was not corrected by several courses of corticosteroid treatment. The only remarkable result during previous investigations was the presence of a positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology. Clinical examination revealed an heterogenous thyroid with a nodule on the right lobe. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration was normal. The levels of antiperoxidase antibodies and thyrocalcitonin were normal. Ultrasound examination of the neck showed a 3-cm hypoechogenous nodule in the right lobe of the thyroid. A total thyroidectomy was performed. Histopathologic findings led to the diagnosis of Riedel's thyroiditis. We observed a dramatic improvement after surgery with absence of fever and normalization of inflammatory parameters. The role of EBV infection in the process of this unusual form of Riedel's thyroiditis is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Surgical
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Rare Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Rare Diseases / pathology
  • Rare Diseases / surgery
  • Rare Diseases / virology
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Thyroiditis / diagnosis*
  • Thyroiditis / pathology
  • Thyroiditis / surgery
  • Thyroiditis / virology