Fetal thymus size in pregnant women with Hashimoto disease

Abstract

PurposeThis study compared fetal thymic‐thoracic ratios and fetal thymus transverse diameter measurements in pregnant women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and non‐immune hypothyroidism.MethodsThe study included a total of 141 pregnant women in three groups: 41 with HT, 50 with non‐immune hypothyroidism, and 50 healthy individuals. Fetal thymus transverse diameter and thymic‐thoracic ratio were compared between these groups.ResultsThe mean fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio was greater in pregnant women with HT than in the healthy controls (p = 0.031). Mean fetal thymus transverse diameter showed no statistically significant difference between the groups.ConclusionsMaternal HT was associated with an increased fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject.