Subacute Thyroiditis After Receiving the Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccine for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Abstract

Since the emergence of the coronavirus disease pandemic, several effective vaccines have been introduced. These vaccines work through several different immunogenic pathways to produce effective immunity. There have been a number of reports of patients developing subacute thyroiditis and thyroid dysfunction after receiving the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. This paper presents a case of a female patient who developed subacute thyroiditis soon after receiving the adenovirus-vectored COVID-19 vaccine. The patient presented with severe neck pain and her blood results demonstrated an initial thyrotoxic phase followed by a hypothyroid phase. She had no past history of thyroiditis or thyroid dysfunction. Subacute thyroiditis occurring after COVID-19 vaccination is rare but also probably underreported. We hope that this case report not only contributes to the literature but also raises awareness of subacute thyroiditis occurring after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Keywords: adenovirus-vector; coronavirus vaccine; covid 19; overt hypothyroidism; subacute thyroiditis.

Figure 1. Ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland

Enlarged thyroid gland with heterogeneous echotexture (A), and Doppler studies of right thyroid lobe showing reduced vascular flow (B).