Subacute or DeQuervain's thyroiditis typically causes a hyperthyroid phase as thyroid hormone is released from damaged thyroid cells. Like Graves' disease, subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is usually seen in women, and its peak incidence occurs between ages 40 and 50.

The differences are that the RAI-uptake in SAT is typically low, often lower than 2% at 24 hours, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is high. Pain in the front of the neck is common. This disorder also has a genetic predisposition and tends to occur in families. Watch for my article on this subject later this week.