Reidel's Thyroiditis: A Rare Clinical Entity

Abstract

Background: Reidel’s thyroiditis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland characterized by fibrotic infiltration which leads to its parenchyma being replaced by fibrous tissue rendering the gland nonfunctional. The exact etiology is unknown, but currently, the most accepted view is that of systemic autoimmune hypothesis. Due to its low incidence and it resembling other more common thyroid pathologies there is often a delay in diagnosis. Due to the paucity of literature on the disease as it is a rare entity this report presents an insight on the diagnostic dilemma posed by Reidel’s Thyroiditis and the possible means for the management of the disease. 

Case Description: 45-year male presented with complaints of an anterior neck swelling for the last 20 years with a discharging opening in the neck following decannulation of a tracheostomy and also with difficulty breathing on lying down for the last 14 days. The patient was investigated and diagnosed as a benign thyroid swelling with a sinus tract and taken up for hemithyroidectomy. Ultimately was diagnosed as a case of Reidel’s Thyroiditis. The patient has been in regular follow up and is doing well.

Discussion: Clinical knowledge of such a presentation of Riedel's thyroiditis would enhance our ability to make an accurate diagnosis. We report a case of a male patient with Reidel’s thyroiditis keeping in mind its rare occurrence and highlighting the diagnostic challenges.