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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected over 772 million people globally. While lung damage is the major contributor to the morbidity and mortality of this disease, the involvement of multiple organs, including the endocrine glands, has been reported. This Review aims to provide an updated summary of evidence regarding COVID-19 and thyroid dysfunction, incorporating highlights of recent advances in the field, particularly in relation to long COVID and COVID-19 vaccination. Since subacute thyroiditis following COVID-19 was first reported in May 2020, thyroid dysfunction associated with COVID-19 has been increasingly recognized, secondary to direct and indirect effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Here, we summarize the epidemiological evidence, pattern and clinical course of thyroid dysfunction following COVID-19 and examine radiological, molecular and histological evidence of thyroid involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Beyond acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is also timely to examine the course and implication of thyroid dysfunction in the context of long COVID owing to the large population of survivors of COVID-19 worldwide. This Review also analyses the latest evidence on the relationship between the therapeutics and vaccination for COVID-19 and thyroid dysfunction. To conclude, evidence-based practice recommendations for thyroid function testing during and following COVID-19 and concerning COVID-19 vaccination are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tak Wai Lui
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Ho Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu Cho Woo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ivan Fan Ngai Hung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen Siu Ling Lam
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Ganie MA, Rashid H, Qadir A, Koul PA. Subacute Thyroiditis in Active COVID-19 Infection: A Report of Two Cases With a Systematic Review of the Literature. Cureus 2024; 16:e52611. [PMID: 38374864 PMCID: PMC10875715 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a self-limiting inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland with distinct symptoms and a predictable outcome. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, there have been multiple isolated reports of SAT either during the active viral illness or following recovery. Here, we report two such cases of COVID-19 infection presenting with SAT. A 65-year-old male presented with a two-week history of anterior neck pain, odynophagia, high-grade fever (38.9°C), sweating, palpitations, and tremulousness. At physical examination, the patient presented with a slightly increased heart rate and a tender and enlarged thyroid on palpation. Laboratory examination showed high C-reactive protein levels, with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and thyroid function tests were suggestive of thyrotoxicosis. Ultrasonography showed a heterogeneous thyroid gland with ill-defined hypoechoic areas, and thyroid scintigraphy showed reduced uptake, confirming the diagnosis of SAT. In another case, a 52-year-old male presented with fever, cough, and myalgias, and was diagnosed with mild COVID-19 pneumonia, and managed conservatively. After two weeks, the patient had a recurrence of high-grade fever, odynophagia, palpitations, and tremors. Examination revealed tachycardia, hyperhidrosis, and a tender and enlarged thyroid on palpation. Thyroid function tests revealed low thyroid-stimulating hormone, with normal total T4 and total T3. Ultrasonography examination showed a heterogeneous thyroid gland with bilateral ill-defined hypoechoic areas. In our systematic review, including 103 SAT cases, it has been suggested that SAT should be recognized as an uncommon extra-pulmonary clinical manifestation of COVID-19 infection and clinicians need to be aware of the association. Pending larger multicentric studies, management of the condition has to be on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ashraf Ganie
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, IND
| | - Haroon Rashid
- Clinical Research, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, IND
| | - Ajaz Qadir
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, IND
| | - Parvaiz A Koul
- Internal Medicine/Pulmonary Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, IND
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Meftah E, Rahmati R, Zari Meidani F, Khodadadi S, Chitzan-Zadeh K, Esfahanian F, Afshar S. Subacute thyroiditis following COVID-19: A systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1126637. [PMID: 37091856 PMCID: PMC10115182 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1126637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a self-limiting thyroid inflammatory disease occurring specifically after upper respiratory tract infections. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease leading to multi-organ involvements, we aimed to systematically review the literature regarding SAT secondary to COVID-19. Methods We searched Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, ProQuest, and LitCovid databases using the terms "subacute thyroiditis" and "COVID-19" and their synonyms from inception to November 3, 2022. We included the original articles of the patients with SAT secondary to COVID-19. Studies reporting SAT secondary to COVID-19 vaccination or SAT symptoms' manifestation before the COVID-19 infection were not included. Results Totally, 820 articles were retained. Having removed the duplicates, 250 articles remained, out of which 43 articles (40 case reports and three case series) with a total of 100 patients, were eventually selected. The patients aged 18-85 years (Mean: 42.70, SD: 11.85) and 68 (68%) were women. The time from the onset of COVID-19 to the onset of SAT symptoms varied from zero to 168 days (Mean: 28.31, SD: 36.92). The most common symptoms of SAT were neck pain in 69 patients (69%), fever in 54 (54%), fatigue and weakness in 34 (34%), and persistent palpitations in 31 (31%). The most common ultrasonographic findings were hypoechoic regions in 73 (79%), enlarged thyroid in 46 (50%), and changes in thyroid vascularity in 14 (15%). Thirty-one patients (31%) were hospitalized, and 68 (68%) were treated as outpatients. Corticosteroids were the preferred treatment in both the inpatient and outpatient settings (25 inpatients (81%) and 44 outpatients (65%)). Other preferred treatments were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nine inpatients (29%) and 17 outpatients (25%)) and beta-blockers (four inpatients (13%) and seven outpatients (10%)). After a mean duration of 61.59 days (SD: 67.07), 21 patients (23%) developed hypothyroidism and thus, levothyroxine-based treatment was used in six of these patients and the rest of these patients did not receive levothyroxine. Conclusion SAT secondary to COVID-19 seems to manifest almost similarly to the conventional SAT. However, except for the case reports and case series, lack of studies has limited the quality of the data at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Meftah
- Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahem Rahmati
- Students Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zari Meidani
- Students Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sanaz Khodadadi
- Students Research Committee, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kosar Chitzan-Zadeh
- Students Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Esfahanian
- Department of Endocrinology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Afshar
- School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
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Kishimoto M, Ishikawa T, Odawara M. Subacute thyroiditis with liver dysfunction following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination: report of two cases and a literature review. Endocr J 2022; 69:947-957. [PMID: 35264515 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Subacute thyroiditis is a transient inflammatory thyroid disease characterized by neck pain, fever, and typical symptoms associated with thyrotoxicosis. The incidence of subacute thyroiditis is higher in female than in male, and susceptibility is prominent in the 30-50-year age range. The variety of case reports on subacute thyroiditis associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be increasing, and subacute thyroiditis following COVID-19 vaccination has recently been reported. Herein, we report two cases of subacute thyroiditis that developed after receiving the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, one of which exhibited remarkable liver dysfunction. The mechanism underlying the development of post-vaccination subacute thyroiditis remains unknown; however, one theory suggests that adjuvants contained in vaccines may play a role in triggering diverse autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Another possibility is the potential cross-reactivity between the coronavirus spike protein target produced by the mRNA vaccine and thyroid cell antigens. Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, and nausea. These symptoms are usually resolved within a few days. Subacute thyroiditis may present symptoms similar to those of short-term vaccination side effects or exhibit non-specific symptoms, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the possible development of subacute thyroiditis after COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyako Kishimoto
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sanno Hospital, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Takuya Ishikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sanno Hospital, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Masato Odawara
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sanno Hospital, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
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Stafie CS, Solomon SM, Sufaru IG, Manaila M, Stafie II, Melinte G, Simionescu B, Leustean L. Pathogenic Connections in Post-COVID Conditions: What Do We Know in the Large Unknown? A Narrative Review. Viruses 2022; 14:1686. [PMID: 36016309 PMCID: PMC9413998 DOI: 10.3390/v14081686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease has long-term effects, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long-COVID. Post-COVID-19 syndrome is defined by signs and symptoms that occur during or after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection which persist for more than 12 weeks and cannot be supported by an alternative diagnosis. The cardiovascular damage caused by COVID-19 in the severe forms of the disease is induced by severe systemic inflammation, considered to be one of the causes of myocardial lesions, with increased levels of circulating cytokines and toxic response mediators. We have focused on conditions that can induce long-COVID-19, or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-C/MIS-A), with an emphasis on endocrinological and metabolic disorders. Although described less frequently in children than in adults, long-COVID syndrome should not be confused with MIS-C, which is an acute condition characterized by multisystem involvement and paraclinical evidence of inflammation in a pediatric patient who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, we mention that the MIS-A symptoms remit within a few weeks, while the duration of long-COVID is measured in months. Long-COVID syndrome, along with its complications, MIS-A and MIS-C, represents an important challenge in the medical community. Underlying comorbidities can expose both COVID-19 adult and pediatric patients to a higher risk of negative outcomes not only during, but in the aftermath of the SARS-CoV-2 infection as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Silvia Stafie
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity—Family Medicine Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Sorina Mihaela Solomon
- Department of Periodontology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina-Georgeta Sufaru
- Department of Periodontology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Manaila
- Endocrinology Residency Program, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independentei, 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania; (M.M.); (I.I.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Ingrid Ioana Stafie
- Endocrinology Residency Program, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independentei, 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania; (M.M.); (I.I.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriela Melinte
- Endocrinology Residency Program, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independentei, 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania; (M.M.); (I.I.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Bianca Simionescu
- Pediatric Clinic No. 2, Mother and Child Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Letitia Leustean
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
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The New Entity of Subacute Thyroiditis amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: From Infection to Vaccine. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040960. [PMID: 35454008 PMCID: PMC9030970 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a review of full-length articles strictly concerning subacute thyroiditis (SAT) in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection (SVI) and COVID-19 vaccine (COV) that were published between the 1st of March 2020 and the 21st of March 2022 in PubMed-indexed journals. A total of 161 cases were reported as follows: 81 cases of SAT–SVI (2 retrospective studies, 5 case series, and 29 case reports), 80 respective cases of SAT–COV (1 longitudinal study, 14 case series, 17 case reports; also, 1 prospective study included 12 patients, with 6 patients in each category). To our knowledge, this represents the largest cohort of reported cases until the present time. SAT–SVI was detected in adults aged between 18 and 85 years, mostly in middle-aged females. SAT–COVID-19 timing classifies SAT as viral (synchronous with infection, which is an original feature of SATs that usually follow a viral infection) and post-viral (during the recovery period or after infection, usually within 6 to 8 weeks, up to a maximum 24 weeks). The clinical spectrum has two patterns: either that accompanying a severe COVID-19 infection with multi-organ spreading (most frequent with lung involvement) or as an asymptomatic infection, with SAT being the single manifestation or the first presentation. Either way, SAT may remain unrecognized. Some data suggest that more intense neck pain, more frequent fever, and more frequent hypothyroidism at 3 months are identified when compared with non-SAT–SVI, but other authors have identified similar presentations and outcomes. Post-COVID-19 fatigue may be due to residual post-SAT hypothyroidism. The practical importance of SAT–SVI derives from the fact that thyroid hormone anomalies aggravate the general status of severe infections (particular concerns being tachycardia/arrhythmias, cardiac insufficiency, and ischemic events). If misdiagnosed, SAT results in unnecessary treatment with anti-thyroid drugs or even antibiotics for fever of unknown cause. Once recognized, SAT does not seem to require a particular approach when compared with non-COVID-19 cases, including the need for glucocorticoid therapy and the rate of permanent hypothyroidism. A complete resolution of thyroid hormone anomalies and inflammation is expected, except for cases with persistent hypothyroidism. SAT–COV follows within a few hours to a few weeks, with an average of 2 weeks (no particular pattern is related to the first or second vaccine dose). Pathogenesis includes molecular mimicry and immunoinflammatory anomalies, and some have suggested that this is part of ASIA syndrome (autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants). An alternative hypothesis to vaccine-related increased autoimmunity is vaccine-induced hyperviscosity; however, this is supported by incomplete evidence. From what we know so far concerning the risk factors, a prior episode of non-SVI–SAT is not associated with a higher risk of SAT–COV, nor is a previous history of coronavirus infection by itself. Post-vaccine SAT usually has a less severe presentation and a good outcome. Generally, the female sex is prone to developing any type of SAT. HLA susceptibility is probably related to both new types of SATs. The current low level of statistical evidence is expected to change in the future. Practitioners should be aware of SAT–COV, which does not restrict immunization protocols in any case.
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Çabuk SA, Cevher AZ, Küçükardalı Y. Thyroid Function During and After COVID-19 Infection: A Review. Endocrinology 2022; 18:58-62. [PMID: 35949365 PMCID: PMC9354510 DOI: 10.17925/ee.2022.18.1.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can lead to multiorgan dysfunction through pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Infection also affects the thyroid gland directly via cytopathological effects of the virus or indirectly through cytokines, complement systems and coagulation mechanisms. The thyroid gland regulates innate and adaptive immune systems by genomic and nongenomic pathways. During or after SARS-CoV-2 infection, Graves' disease and subacute thyroiditis might be triggered, resulting in hyperthyroidism; alternatively, the effect of the virus on the hypophyseal.hypothalamic axis might cause central hypothyroidism. Severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with hypoxia, which requires the use of dexamethasone. This can depress basal serum concentrations of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine. Thyroid function should be monitored when using dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19. This article briefly reviews the direct and indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the thyroid gland and function.
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Murugan AK, Alzahrani AS. SARS-CoV-2: Emerging Role in the Pathogenesis of Various Thyroid Diseases. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:6191-6221. [PMID: 34853527 PMCID: PMC8628126 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s332705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is asymptomatic in most cases, but it is impartible and fatal in fragile and elderly people. Heretofore, more than four million people succumbed to COVID-19, while it spreads to every part of the globe. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) induces various dysfunctions in many vital organs including the thyroid by utilizing ACE2 as a receptor for cellular entry. Emerging reports clearly show the involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in diverse thyroid disorders. Thus, this review article aims to review comprehensively all the recent developments in SARS-CoV-2-induced pathogenesis of thyroid diseases. The review briefly summarizes the recent key findings on the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the role of ACE2 receptor in viral entry, SARS-CoV-2-activated molecular signaling in host cells, ACE2 expression in the thyroid, cytokine storm, and its vital role in thyroid dysfunction and long-COVID in relation to thyroid and autoimmunity. Further, it extensively discusses rapidly evolving knowledge on the potential part of SARS-CoV-2 in emerging various thyroid dysfunctions during and post-COVID-19 conditions which include subacute thyroiditis, Graves' diseases, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis, and other recent advances in further discerning the implications of this virus within thyroid dysfunction. Unraveling the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2-triggered thyroid dysfunctions may aid pertinent therapeutic options and management of these patients in both during and post-COVID-19 scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avaniyapuram Kannan Murugan
- Division of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S Alzahrani
- Division of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Ruggeri RM, Campennì A, Deandreis D, Siracusa M, Tozzoli R, Petranović Ovčariček P, Giovanella L. SARS-COV-2-related immune-inflammatory thyroid disorders: facts and perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:737-759. [PMID: 34015983 PMCID: PMC8182818 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1932467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic thyroid gland alteration/dysfunction has been emerged as a possible endocrine complication. The present review is focused on inflammatory and autoimmune thyroid complications triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection by searching through databases like MEDLINE and Scopus up to April 2021.Areas covered: Beside the occurrence of 'non-thyroidal illness' in severe clinical conditions, alterations of thyroid function and structure may occur during COVID-19 as a consequence of either direct or indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gland. On the one hand, SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 as a receptor to infect the host cells and ACE2 is highly expressed by follicular thyroid cells. On the other hand, COVID-19 is associated with a systemic inflammatory and immune response, involving Th1/Th17/Th2 lymphocytes and proinflammatory cytokines, which resembles the immune activation that occurs in immune-mediated thyroid diseases. COVID-19-related thyroid disorders include destructive thyroiditis and onset or relapse of autoimmune thyroid disorders, leading to a broad spectrum of thyroid dysfunction ranging from thyrotoxicosis to hypothyroidism, that may worsen COVID-19 clinical course and affect prognosis.Expert opinion: Physicians should be aware of the possible occurrence of thyroid dysfunction during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to evaluate potential long-term sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Campennì
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Desiree Deandreis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine Division, AOU Città Della Salute E Della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Siracusa
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Renato Tozzoli
- Endocrinology Unit, S. Giorgio Hospital, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Petra Petranović Ovčariček
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center “Sestre Milosrdnice”, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Trimboli P, Cappelli C, Croce L, Scappaticcio L, Chiovato L, Rotondi M. COVID-19-Associated Subacute Thyroiditis: Evidence-Based Data From a Systematic Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:707726. [PMID: 34659109 PMCID: PMC8511511 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.707726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a thyroid disease of viral or post-viral origin. Whether SAT represents a complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still unclear. Our aim was to systematically review the literature to 1) explore the size of the literature about SAT in COVID-19 and 2) evaluate the clinical characteristics of SAT. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were searched until April 20, 2021. Original papers, case reports, and case series reporting SAT in COVID-19 patients were included. Authors and their country, journal, year of publication, COVID-19 and SAT clinical presentation, thyroid function, therapy, and follow-up data were extracted. Nineteen papers (17 case reports and 2 case series) were included, describing 27 patients, 74.1% females, aged 18 to 69 years. COVID-19 was diagnosed by nasopharyngeal swab in 66.7% cases and required hospitalization in 11.1%. In 83.3% cases, SAT occurred after COVID-19. Neck pain was present in 92.6% cases and fever in 74.1%. Median TSH, fT3, and fT4 were 0.01 mU/l, 10.79 pmol/l, and 27.2 pmol/l, respectively. C-reactive-protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated in 96% of cases. Typical ultrasonographic characteristics of SAT were observed in 83.3% of cases. Steroids were the most frequent SAT therapy. Complete remission of SAT was recorded in most cases. In conclusion, the size and quality of published data of SAT in COVID-19 patients are poor, with only case reports and case series being available. SAT clinical presentation in COVID-19 patients seems to be similar to what is generally expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Clinic for Endocrinology and Diabetology, Lugano Regional Hospital, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Cappelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Croce
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, (IRCCS), Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Scappaticcio
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli”, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Chiovato
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, (IRCCS), Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Rotondi
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, (IRCCS), Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Mario Rotondi,
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