Riedel's thyroiditis

Riedel's thyroiditis
Other names	Riedel's struma
Specialty	Endocrinology

Riedel's thyroiditis, is a chronic form of thyroiditis. It is now believed that Riedel's thyroiditis is one manifestation of a systemic disease that can affect many organ systems called IgG4-related disease. It is often a multi-organ disease affecting pancreas, liver, kidney, salivary and orbital tissues and retroperitoneum. The hallmarks of the disease are fibrosis and infiltration by IgG4 secreting plasma cells.^[1]

Pathophysiology[]

Riedel's thyroiditis is characterized by a replacement of the normal thyroid parenchyma by a dense fibrosis that invades adjacent structures of the neck and extends beyond the thyroid capsule.^[2] This makes the thyroid gland stone-hard (woody) and fixed to adjacent structures. The inflammatory process infiltrates muscles and causes symptoms of tracheal compression. Surgical treatment is required to relieve tracheal or esophageal obstruction.^{[citation needed]}

Diagnosis[]

Diagnosis is done by biopsy^{[citation needed]}

Treatment[]

Therapy usually consists of prednisolone, nonetheless some cases may require surgery. Tamoxifen has been proposed as part of a treatment plan.^[3]

Treatment is directed to surgical relief of compressive symptoms. Tamoxifen may also be beneficial.^{[citation needed]}The type of surgery which is indicated here is isthmectomy.

Prevalence[]

Riedel's thyroiditis is classified as rare.^[4] Most patients remain euthyroid, but approximately 30% of patients become hypothyroid and very few patients are hyperthyroid. It is most commonly seen in women.^[5]

Eponym[]

It is named for Bernhard Riedel. He first recognized the disease In 1883 and published its description in 1896.^[6][7]

References[]

External links[]