Abstract

Sub-acute thyroiditis is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland, often attributed to viral infections. The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been associated with various endocrine manifestations, including thyroid dysfunction. This case series presents five patients with sub-acute thyroiditis following COVID-19 infection. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings were analyzed to assess the characteristics of this condition. Five patients, three females and two males, aged between 34 and 87 years, developed sub-acute thyroiditis within 1 to 4 weeks after COVID-19 infection. They presented with symptoms such as neck pain, fever, fatigue, and thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid function tests showed elevated thyroid hormones and suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Thyroid ultrasound revealed diffuse or focal thyroid gland inflammation with reduced echogenicity. All patients responded well to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-blockers, and thyroid function normalized within a few weeks. Sub-acute thyroiditis may be a rare but significant endocrine manifestation following COVID-19 infection. Clinicians should be aware of this condition in patients presenting with neck pain and thyrotoxicosis after recovering from COVID-19. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can lead to a favorable outcome. this case series delves into clinical profiles, diagnostic workup, treatment modalities, and outcomes of the five cases, thereby contributing to our understanding of this intriguing intersection between COVID-19 and endocrine health.