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

• Published in: Thyroid (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 15; no. 1; p. 85
• Main Authors: Fontaine, S, Gaches, F, Lamant, L, Uzan, M, Bennet, A, Caron, Ph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-2005
• Subjects: 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
• ISSN: 1050-7256
• DOI: 10.1089/thy.2005.15.85

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.