Riedel's thyroiditis (patient information)

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.

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 confer highest risks in 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

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Riedel’s thyroiditis.

• Pharmacological medical therapies for Riedel’s thyroiditis include:
  • Corticosteroids
  • Tamoxifen
• Thyroid debulking surgery is performed in Riedel’s thyroiditis in patients with compressive symptoms.

Medical care for (disease name) can be found here.

There are no preventive methods for Riedel’s thyroiditis.

Prognosis of Riedel’s thyroiditis is generally very good.

Common complications of Riedel’s thyroiditis include:

• Hoarseness
• Stridor
• Dysphagia
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Occlusive phlebitis

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm

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