[Inflammatory thyroid diseases]

Abstract

Thyroiditis are common causes of the goitrous enlargement of the thyroid, and comprise a number of inhomogeneous disorders. The only criterion they have in common is an inflammatory infiltration of thyroid tissue. The following diseases belong to this group: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroiditis de Quervain, acute thyroiditis, Riedel's thyroiditis and rare forms of thyroiditis. These diseases are reviewed with regard to incidence, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.