Subacute thyroiditis associated with adalimumab - a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Subacute thyroiditis is characterized by the painful inflammation of the thyroid and thyrotoxicosis due to thyroid destruction. A few case reports looked into the association between anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents and subacute thyroiditis. A 42-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for fever and neck pain spreading to the right ear. For the last seven years, she has been on adalimumab treatment (40 mg every 15 days) for ankylosing spondylitis. Thyroid scintigraphy showed a diffusely suppressed gland which confirmed the diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis. Adalimumab treatment was stopped, and methylprednisolone 32 mg/day was started. Adalimumab use may be associated with subacute thyroiditis.