Post-COVID-19 Subacute / de Quervains Thyroiditis

Subacute thyroiditis is a self-limiting clinical condition manifesting as an acute phase of hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism that eventually resolves on its own but sometimes leads to permanent hypothyroidism.This is usually preceded by a viral infection, and in this case, it was a COVID-19 infection.The authors report a case of a 42-year male who developed subacute thyroiditis as a result of a COVID-19 infection.He presented to the emergency room with complaints of severe headache, sore throat, and fever.Thyroid function tests revealed hyperthyroidism, and radiological investigations indicated retropharyngeal abscess formation.Treatment with antibiotics and analgesics resulted in incomplete symptomatic resolution.Total thyroidectomy and neck exploration were planned.On microscopy, a diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis with micropapillary carcinoma was rendered.