Subacute thyroiditis may be caused by a viral infection such as mumps , influenza , Coxsackievirus, or adenovirus. Painful enlargement of the thyroid gland may persist for weeks or months.
Risk factors are recent viral infection, being female, and young or middle aged.
The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people. A thyroid biopsy shows granulomatous destruction. This disease may also alter the results of an antithyroid microsomal antibody test. The purpose of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation and to treat any hyperthyroidism , if present. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications may be needed for several weeks.