SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS; REPORT OF 3 CASES

Abstract

1) In 2 of 3 patients with subacute thyroiditis, the menstruation in the acute phase was characterized by prolonged cycle and decreased flow, but that in the recovery phase by shortened cycle and increased flow. After several weeks, however, the menstrual abnormality was gradually restored to normal.
2) A normochromic moderate anemia was observed in 2 of the 3 patients.
3) The liver function test, especially several serum colloid reactions were frequently positive.
4) In both of the 2 patients, the abnormal response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was obtained.
5) As to thyroid function during the disease, in all the 3 patients, the basal metabolic rates and serum protein-bound iodine level were elevated, and thyroidal I¹³¹ uptake was in low normal range. In 2 patients, who received no speciffc therapy to modify the natural course of the disease, these abnormal value gradually returned to normal within eight weeks after the onset, while in a patient, treated with cortisone, I¹³¹ uptake rose to high levels within six weeks of that therapy.
6) Cortisone was shown to produce dramatic effects, causing abrupt cessation of symptoms and distinct decrease in the size of the thyroid gland.