Postpartum thyroiditis — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePregnancyPostpartum thyroiditisMCCQE Part 1

A 32-year-old woman 3 months postpartum has palpitations, anxiety, weight loss, low TSH and low thyroid uptake with a non-tender thyroid. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Postpartum thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroiditis is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Postpartum thyroiditis better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to Canadian thyroid disease guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: Canadian thyroid disease guidance