Prognosis
In ≥90% of patients, there is a complete and spontaneous recovery and a return to normal thyroid function. However, the thyroid gland may exhibit irregular scarring between islands of residual functioning parenchyma. Up to 27% of patients may require permanent replacement with levothyroxine due to persistent hypothyroidism.[41]
During the acute episode of subacute thyroiditis, the symptoms may be exacerbated, but once the patient is fully recovered, the thyroiditis is relatively unlikely to recur. In one systematic review of 18 studies, the recurrence of subacute thyroiditis is 12% after an initial episode and may be related to certain HLA genotypes.[42]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer