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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Lab Physicians 2018; 10(03): 294-298
DOI: 10.4103/JLP.JLP_72_17
Original Article

Importance of combined approach of investigations for detection of asymptomatic Hashimoto Thyroiditis in early stage

Sonali Rajesh Saraf
Department of Pathology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Nitin M. Gadgil
Department of Pathology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Sheetal Yadav
Department of Pathology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Alka D. Kalgutkar
Department of Pathology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
› Author Affiliations Financial support and sponsorship Nil
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ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of goitrous hypothyroidism in iodine sufficient areas. The diagnosis of HT is important because it progresses to hypothyroidism, and also, it is associated with thyroid lymphoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Apart from thyroid antibodies, assessment of thyroid function test (TFT) levels, ultrasonography (USG), and cytological analysis can help in early diagnosis and management of HT.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY: To know the age incidence and clinical presentation of HT, its association with thyroid hormone levels and with thyroid antibodies and its correlation with the cytologic grade of HT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive convenient method of sampling was adopted at the cytology clinic. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of patients presenting with thyroid enlargement was done using standard technique and aseptic precautions.

RESULTS: Out of 875 cases of thyroid cytology, 134 cases were diagnosed as HT over a 4-year period. A strong female preponderance was observed. A significant proportion of them (103/134) presented in the first four decades of life. Majority of cases (60.63%) were hypothyroid, while 15.74% were hyperthyroid and 23.62% were euthyroid. Apart from thyroid enlargement, although a majority of patients presented with symptoms related to the thyroid, a significant number of patients (38.80%) were asymptomatic.

Conclusions: A combined approach of cytological grading of HT along with USG, TFT levels, and thyroid antibodies can detect hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid or euthyroid state of HT and provide an appropriate guide to therapy.

Keywords

Asymptomatic - female preponderance - Hashimoto’s thyroiditis - subclinical hypothyroid


Publication History

Received: 16 April 2017

Accepted: 18 December 2017

Article published online:
19 February 2020

© 2018.

Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.
A-12, Second Floor, Sector -2, NOIDA -201301, India

 

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