Riedel's Thyroiditis: What to Do When Tamoxifen Has Not Worked
Riedel's thyroiditis is a rare fibrosing inflammatory disorder of the thyroid. When an initial treatment line does not produce sufficient reduction of thyroid mass or adequate symptom control, a structured next-step protocol is indicated.
Previous Treatment — Failure Condition
Tamoxifen — given either alongside continued corticosteroid therapy or as
monotherapy — did not achieve the required goals: significant reduction of
thyroid mass size and control of clinical symptoms. This protocol addresses
that escalation point.
Clinical Goals
Significant reduction of goiter size and symptomatic relief.
References
DOI: 10.1210/jc.2011-0617
A recent report demonstrates significant reduction of goiter size using a combination of mycophenolate mofetil (1 g twice daily) and 100 mg prednisone daily.
The addition of mycophenolate mofetil resulted in symptomatic relief and successful subtotal thyroidectomy after 90 d of treatment.