skip to main content

Postpartum thyroiditis — SCE Endocrinology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateThyroidPostpartum thyroiditisSCE Endocrinology

A 39-year-old woman presents 4 months after delivery with anxiety, tremor and weight loss. She has a small painless goitre. TSH is <0.01 mU/L, free T4 29 pmol/L, TSH receptor antibodies are negative and radioiodine uptake is low. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Postpartum thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroiditis is best because painless thyrotoxicosis within a year of delivery with negative TSH receptor antibodies and low uptake is typical of postpartum thyroiditis. The alternatives are less appropriate because Graves' usually has positive antibodies and raised uptake; toxic adenoma has focal uptake; de Quervain thyroiditis is painful; levothyroxine excess lacks postpartum thyroid inflammation. The SCE teaching point is to integrate the clinical pattern, biochemistry and context rather than treating an isolated result.

Reference: NICE NG145