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Long-term Follow-up

Thomas F. Nikolai, MD; Guerdon J. Coombs, MD; Alan K. McKenzie, MD

Arch Intern Med. 1981;141(11):1455-1458.

Abstract
In a one- to 15-year follow-up of 124 patients with a history of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) without and with spontaneously resolving hyperthyroidism (SRH) (SAT and SAT-SRH, respectively), only three cases of thyroid disease probably unrelated to the original episode of thyroiditis were found. However, of the 54 patients with a history of lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) with SRH (LT-SRH), 26 patients were found to have thyroid disease (three with hypothyroidism and 23 with goiters). Antithyroid antibodies were found to be present in 32% (8/25) of the LT-SRH group and in less than 10% (5/60) of the other three groups. The basal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were substantially increased in the LT-SRH group only, and the response of thyroid-stimulating hormone to 200 µg of protirelin was augmented in both SAT-SRH and LT-SRH groups. These findings demonstrate that SAT and SAT-SRH are transient thyroid diseases rarely leading to permanent thyroid disease, although some loss of thyroid reserve may occur. However, LT-SRH is a persistent progressive disease similar to or the same as chronic LT, in which goiter formation and thyroid failure are a natural course.

(Arch Intern Med 1981;141:1455-1458)

Author Affiliations
From the Section of Endocrinology, Marshfield (Wis) Clinic and Marshfield Medical Foundation.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Sept 22, 1980.

Reprint requests to Section of Endocrinology, Marshfield Clinic, 1000 N Oak Ave, Marshfield, WI 54449 (Dr Nikolai).

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