Subacute thyroiditis is the most common cause of painful thyroiditis, which usually occurs after an acute viral upper respiratory tract infection. Rare cases of subacute thyroiditis have been reported after administration of viral vaccines. Here, we report four cases of subacute thyroiditis after administration of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech®). We describe the clinical, laboratory and imaging features of five cases of subacute thyroiditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech®). COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech®)-associated subacute thyroiditis may present with clinical findings typical of classic subacute thyroiditis such as fever, neck pain, weakness, and tremor within a few days following vaccination. Subacute thyroiditis may be focal or may progress with diffuse bilateral involvement. Depending on the extent of subacute thyroiditis involvement, significant increases in acute-phase reactants can be observed. COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech®) associated subacute thyroiditis responds quite well to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of developing subacute thyroiditis after vaccination.

Context: The aims of the study are to compare characteristics of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) related to different etiologies, and to identify predictors of recurrence of SAT and incident hypothyroidism. Methods: This nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 53 endocrinology centers in Turkey. The study participants were divided into either COVID-19–related SAT (Cov-SAT), SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–related SAT (Vac-SAT), or control SAT (Cont-SAT) groups. Results: Of the 811 patients, 258 (31.8%) were included in the Vac-SAT group, 98 (12.1%) in the Cov-SAT group, and 455 (56.1%) in the Cont-SAT group. No difference was found between the groups with regard to laboratory and imaging findings. SAT etiology was not an independent predictor of recurrence or hypothyroidism. In the entire cohort, steroid therapy requirement and younger age were statistically significant predictors for SAT recurrence. C-reactive protein measured during SAT onset, female sex, absence of antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) positivity, and absence of steroid therapy were statistically significant predictors of incident (early) hypothyroidism, irrespective of SAT etiology. On the other hand, probable predictors of established hypothyroidism differed from that of incident hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Since there is no difference in terms of follow-up parameters and outcomes, COVID-19– and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–related SAT can be treated and followed up like classic SATs. Recurrence was determined by younger age and steroid therapy requirement. Steroid therapy independently predicts incident hypothyroidism that may sometimes be transient in overall SAT and is also associated with a lower risk of established hypothyroidism.

The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among trans men has been reported as higher than among the cisgender population, which varies between 14.4% and 58%. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the association of oligo-anovulation and/or features of hyperandrogenism with the scores on the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale (UGDS), the Body Image Scale (BIS), and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) in treatment-naive trans men with PCOS seeking help for gender transition. The study sample consisted of trans men who were diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) between December 2019 and November 2020. To assess body dissatisfaction and psychological functioning, the UGDS, BIS, and SF-36 were administered to all transgender individuals as part of the routine assessment procedure. A total of 49 treatment-naive trans men were included in our study; 38.8% ( n =19) of the participants were diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. The scores of UGDS and BIS were significantly lower in the PCOS group compared with the non-PCOS group ( p <0.001 and p =0.003, respectively). Among the eight parameters within SF-36, general health, emotional role, and vitality scores were significantly higher in the PCOS group ( p =0.031, p =0.015, and p =0.006, respectively). Our study is the first study that demonstrates significantly lower GD, higher body image satisfaction and quality of life in trans men with PCOS compared with those without PCOS. Our findings are promising for larger prospective cohort studies to develop a consensus on the management of PCOS in trans men.