Study Reports First Known Case of Subacute Thyroiditis After COVID-19 Infection

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A new case study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, reports on an 18-year-old patient with COVID-19 infection and subacute thyroiditis.

Subacute thyroiditis is often preceded by upper respiratory tract infection. It is thought to be caused by a viral infection or a post-viral inflammatory reaction, and many viruses have been linked to the disease.  This is the first known case linked to COVID-19.

Physicians should be alerted about the possibility of this additional clinical manifestation related to COVID-19,” said Francesco Latrofa, M.D., of the University Hospital of Pisa in Pisa, Italy

The patient with a known exposure had previously tested positive for COVID-19, but following a full recovery and negative repeat test began experiencing symptoms of neck and thyroid pain, fever and tachycardia.  She was sent back to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis. Thyroid function and image was normal one month earlier.

“Because of the chronological association, SARS-CoV-2 may be considered accountable for the onset of subacute thyroiditis,” Latrofa said.

The manuscript, “Subacute Thyroiditis After SARS-CoV-2 Infection,” was published online, ahead of print.