Painful subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain's thyroiditis).

Painful subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain's thyroiditis) usually occurs in association with systemic viral illnesses. This disorder may be manifested in various clinical forms. Primary care physicians must be aware of the clinical features of this disorder to make the correct diagnosis and treat appropriately. Three cases are reported to illustrate the different clinical manifestations of this disorder.