Tubercular thyroiditis with multinodular goitre with adenomatous hyperplasia: a rare coexistence

Abstract

A 32-year-old Indian woman presented with swelling in the anterior part of the neck for the last 3 years. Clinical and radiological examination and fine needle aspiration cytology suggested the diagnosis of multinodular goitre. A subtotal thyroidectomy was performed by the surgeon and the specimen was submitted for the final diagnosis. Histological examination of the specimen revealed multiple caseating tubercular granulomas coexistent with multinodular goitre and adenomatous hyperplasia. The sections demonstrated acid-fast tubercle bacteria, confirming the diagnosis of tubercular thyroiditis. This case emphasises that tubercular thyroiditis should always be considered in patients with thyroid swelling or nodule, in countries where the prevalence of tuberculosis is high.

Hypothyroidism and multinodular goiter due to tubercular thyroiditis: A rare coexistence

“…The non-specific symptoms of thyroid TB make her diagnosis difficult to establish. In most cases the thyroid function remains intact, whereas in the literature there are rare cases of thyroid TB with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism due to destruction of the thyroid by tuberculosis [ 1 ]. Abhideep Chaudhary et al reports a case of a 40 year old woman with thyroid TB with hypothyroidism on thyroid hormone supplementation 4 years before the diagnosis of thyroid TB.…”

“…The management of thyroid TB is currently based essentially on antituberculosis drugs, whereas recourse to surgical treatment is rarer [ 1 , 2 ].…”

Tuberculous Granuloma of Thyroid Gland Mimicking Metastatic Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…Acid-fast bacilli staining and culture from fine needle aspiration material are among the most reliable diagnostic methods. However, it is reported in the literature that the acid-fast bacilli are not always demonstrable in the lesion (14). Hence, the diagnosis of TT is frequently delayed and may represent an incidental finding at pathological examination (15).…”