USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 Practice Exam

What is the typical outcome of subacute granulomatous thyroiditis?

1. Chronic hypothyroidism

2. Hemorrhagic infarction

3. Proliferation of thyroid follicles

4. Self-limited without treatment

The correct answer is: Self-limited without treatment

Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, also known as De Quervain's thyroiditis, is characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland often following a viral infection. The typical outcome of this condition is self-limited, meaning it generally resolves on its own without the need for specific treatment. Patients typically experience symptoms such as neck pain and tenderness, accompanied by signs of thyroid dysfunction that usually resolve over a few weeks to months. Chronic hypothyroidism may occur in cases of chronic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroid diseases but is not a common outcome of subacute granulomatous thyroiditis. Hemorrhagic infarction is generally associated with other conditions, such as thyroid tumors or trauma, rather than subacute granulomatous thyroiditis. Proliferation of thyroid follicles can be seen in various forms of thyroid disease, but in the case of subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, the hallmark is actually the destruction and inflammation of the thyroid tissue rather than an increase in follicular proliferation.