TB Research

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

Achraf Amine Sbai, Najat Draoui, Adil Abdenbi Tsen, Fahd Elayoubi

Annals of Medicine and Surgery · 2022-09

Abstract

Introduction and importance: the diagnosis of thyroid tuberculosis is often difficult, on account of its rarity even in countries with endemic tuberculosis, and on account of its non-specific clinical, biological and radiological presentation. Case presentation: A 38-year-old woman presented with swelling in the anterior part of the neck for 7 years. Clinical and radiological examination found multinodular goiter and fine needle aspiration cytology showed colloidal cells with follicular cells. A total thyroidectomy was performed and histological examination of showed epithelioid and giganto-cellular granulomatous with caseous necrosis, confirming the diagnosis of tuberculous thyroiditis. Clinical discussion: Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland is a very rare disease, the diagnosis is often made by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), the treatment is mainly medical with antituberculosis drugs, but surgery remains a therapeutic means for some cases. Conclusion: The diagnosis of thyroid TB should be suspected in the presence of a thyroid swelling or nodule, especially in countries with a high prevalence of TB, to allow for early and appropriate management.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Thyroid
  • Tuberculosis
  • Caseous necrosis
  • Thyroiditis
  • Nodule (geology)
  • Goiter
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Fine-needle aspiration
  • Differential diagnosis
  • Thyroid nodules
  • Pathology
  • Surgery
  • Radiology