Subacute thyroiditis presenting as simple acute headache was misdiagnosed as meningitis: case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: The relationship between headache and thyrotoxicosis has been occasionally mentioned in case reports, but there are few related reports. Thus, the relationship cannot be determined. Few cases of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) presenting as simple headache have been reported.

Case presentation: This case report describes a middle-aged male patient who came to our hospital with acute headache for 10 days. He was initially misdiagnosed as meningitis due to headache, fever, and increased C-reactive protein. Routine antibacterial and antiviral therapy did not improve his symptoms. Blood test suggested thyrotoxicosis, and color ultrasound suggested SAT sonography. He was diagnosed with SAT. With the treatment of SAT, the headache was relieved after the thyrotoxicosis improved.

Conclusion: This patient is the first detailed report of SAT presenting with simple headache, which is helpful for clinicians to differentiate and diagnose atypical SAT.

Keywords: Headache; Misdiagnosis; Subacute thyroiditis; Thyrotoxicosis.