Current concepts of thyroiditis.

Thyroiditis refers to a diverse group of disorders that produce distinct pathologic abnormalities of the thyroid gland. The clinical course, diagnosis, and treatment of the individual types of thyroiditis are reviewed herein. Some of these conditions may be associated with only transient abnormalities of thyroid function. When faced with a hyperthyroid or hypothyroid patient, care must be exercised to establish the correct origin of the condition so that errors in patient management will be avoided.