Endocrine & metabolic · UKMLA & AKT
Thyroiditis (subacute, silent, postpartum)
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise thyroiditis (subacute, silent, postpartum) — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Thyroiditis causes follicular cell damage → passive leak of preformed T3/T4 → transient thyrotoxicosis → depletion → hypothyroid phase → recovery (triphasic). Thionamides (carbimazole, propylthiouracil) are ineffective - the hormone is already released, not being overproduced.
Antithyroid drugs (carbimazole, propylthiouracil) do NOT work in thyroiditis - blocking new synthesis has no effect on preformed hormone already in circulation. Classic exam distractor.
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