Tests for diagnosing Thyroiditis
Diagnosis is based on the patient's clinical history and analytical tests. In some cases, imaging tests may be helpful.
Blood tests. Depending on the cause (bacterial, viral, postpartum) and the speed the symptoms appear, thyroiditis may be accompanied by an increase in inflammatory parameters in the blood (C-reactive protein: CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate: ESR). General biochemical parameters may show transient variations in the course of the disease as the thyroid is the main controller of metabolism. Blood tests may also show changes induced by the underlying disease (autoimmune, viral, bacterial, etc.) that has caused the thyroiditis.
Specific functional tests. To assess thyroid function, specific blood tests (TSH, T4L) are carried out. Depending on when the measurement is taken, the values of the parameters may vary, with low T4L and TSH values being the most frequent indicators. To determine the autoimmune component, the anti-thyroid anti-peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin are tested.
Imaging tests. In some cases, a thyroid ultrasound or scintigraphy may be performed to assess the degree of thyroid involvement.
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Published: 14 June 2021
Updated: 14 June 2021
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