title: Inflammatory thyroid disorders.
abstract: Inflammatory disorders of the thyroid, including autoimmune thyroiditis, are among the most common endocrine abnormalities encountered in clinical practice. The association of pain with these disorders, however, is relatively uncommon. Despite this observation, painful thyroid disorders comprise a significant component of the spectrum of thyroid disease. A rational approach to such patients, including history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, radionuclide or ultrasonographic imaging, and fine needle aspiration biopsy, will allow the appropriate diagnosis to be made in the vast majority of cases.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, USA.
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Farwell
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Braverman
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010146:Pain; D010808:Physical Examination; D013966:Thyroiditis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013967:Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / Q000175:diagnosis; D013968:Thyroiditis, Subacute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013969:Thyroiditis, Suppurative / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy