Riedel's thyroiditis (patient information)
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Riedel's thyroiditis |
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Riedel's thyroiditis On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Furqan M M. M.B.B.S[2]
Overview
Riedel's thyroiditis can cause hard and fixed neck mass, painless goiter, dysphagia, dyspnea, hoarseness. If thyroid gland releases less amount of thyroid hormones it can result in hypothyroidism and symptoms such as cold intolerance, constipation, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and mood changes. Riedel's thyroiditis is thought to be due to the autoimmunity and infiltration of lymphocytes in the thyroid gland. Family history and the presence of other autoimmune diseases predispose an individual towards the development of Riedel's thyroiditis. Diagnosis is usually made by biopsy and histopathological analysis. Other important factors in the diagnosis are history and physical examination, thyroid function tests, ESR, imaging studies such as CT and MRI, iodine-123 uptake. Pharmacological medical therapies for Riedel's thyroiditis include corticosteroids and tamoxifen. Thyroid debulking surgery is performed in Riedel's thyroiditis in patients with compressive symptoms. Complications of Riedel's thyroiditis include hoarseness, stridor, dysphagia, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and occlusive phlebitis.
What Causes (disease name)?
Riedel's thyroiditis is thought to be due to the autoimmunity and infiltration of lymphocytes in the thyroid gland.
Who is at Highest Risk?
Family history and the presence of other autoimmune diseases confer highest risks in the development of Riedel's thyroiditis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made by biopsy and histopathological analysis. Other important factors in the diagnosis are:
- History and physical examination
- Thyroid function tests
- ESR
- Imaging studies such as CT and MRI
- Iodine-123 uptake
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Riedel's thyroiditis.
Treatment Options
- Pharmacological medical therapies for Riedel's thyroiditis include:
- Thyroid debulking surgery is performed in Riedel's thyroiditis in patients with compressive symptoms.
Where to find Medical Care for (Disease name)?
Medical care for (disease name) can be found here.
Prevention
There are no preventive methods for Riedel's thyroiditis.
What to Expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Prognosis of Riedel's thyroiditis is generally very good.
Possible Complications
Common complications of Riedel's thyroiditis include:
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm