Subacute thyroiditis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: A case report

Key Clinical Message Subacute thyroiditis which is typically characterized by cervical pain and fever is caused by viral infection and is seen after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Here we report a post-vaccination subacute thyroiditis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is possibly caused by a viral infection and is typically characterized by cervical pain and fever. SAT associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection or SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has been reported, albeit in limited numbers. A 34-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with typical SAT symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed through thyroid scintigraphy after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, despite testing negative for COVID-19 via RT-PCR. There is a theoretical correlation between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and SAT. Vaccination may have a direct or indirect impact on the thyroid, but further studies are required to confirm this relationship. A systematic review of the literature of similar cases was performed for comparison. Ultimately, the overall benefits of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination outweigh the potential adverse effects. Therefore, these types of reports should not divert attention from the actual reality.