Subacute thyroiditis complicated with multiple organ failure: A case report

RATIONALE: Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland that is often caused by viral infections. Multiple organ failure (MOF) is mainly caused by acute inflammatory reactions resulting from severe infection or trauma. MOF due to subacute thyroiditis is extremely rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 48-year-old woman with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to our hospital because of subacute thyroiditis. However, the patient developed MOF during hospitalization. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis complicated by MOF based on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was initially admitted to the endocrinology ward for glucocorticoid and insulin therapies. When the condition deteriorated to MOF, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. Ventilator-assisted breathing, blood transfusion, albumin infusion, improved cardiac function, oral glucocorticoids, and insulin were administered to the patient. OUTCOMES: The patient was followed-up at 2-weeks intervals for over 2 months. Her thyroid function returned to normal and her blood sugar level was stable. Transaminase, serum creatinine, albumin, and myocardial enzyme levels were normal. LESSONS: MOF due to subacute thyroiditis is extremely rare. Especially in patients with elevated blood glucose or other immune dysfunctions, we should be alert to the occurrence of subacute thyroiditis with MOF.