A 32-year-old woman presents with a 2-week history of a painful, swollen neck, accompanied by a sore throat, fever, and fatigue. She reports difficulty swallowing due to the discomfort and mentions that the pain occasionally radiates to her jaw and ears. She denies any recent upper respiratory infections. On examination, her thyroid gland is tender and mildly enlarged. Her vital signs reveal a low-grade fever and an elevated heart rate.

Initial lab tests show elevated thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4), and suppressed TSH levels. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is significantly elevated, indicating inflammation. The patient is diagnosed with sub-acute (de Quervain’s) thyroiditis, a self-limiting inflammatory thyroid condition. She is started on NSAIDs for pain and inflammation management, with a plan for follow-up in a few weeks to monitor her recovery.