What is Granulomatous Thyroiditis?

Granulomatous Thyroiditis
Granulomatous Thyroiditis. A Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis case sonographically characterized by an ill-defined hypoechoic nodule (case no. 17). (a) An ultrasound image showing a ill-defined nodule. The cytologic features of the case included the following: (b) Multi-nucleated giant cell (Papanicolau stain, ×400), (c) an epithelioid histiocytic granuloma (Papanicolau stain, ×400), (d) a group of epithelioid histiocytes adjacent to a giant cell (Papanicolau stain, ×400) and (e) a collection of proliferated follicular cells (Papanicolau stain, ×200). Subacute granulomatous (De Quervain's) thyroiditis: Fine-needle aspiration cytology and ultrasonographic characteristics of 21 cases: Vural Ç, Paksoy N, Gök ND, Yazal K - CytoJournal (2015). Not Altered. CC.

Granulomatous thyroiditis is Inflammation of the thyroid gland that includes granulomas. Also known as De Quervain thyroiditis. It is the most common cause of a painful thyroid gland.

What is the Pathology of Granulomatous Thyroiditis?

The pathology of granulomatous thyroiditis is:

-Etiology: The cause of granulomatous thyroiditis is a systemic viral infection.

-Genes involved: HLA-B35.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to granulomatous thyroiditis includes the destruction of follicular epithelium and loss of follicular integrity. 

-Histology: The histology associated with granulomatous thyroiditis shows neutrophils and destruction of follicles with colloid depletion in early cases and fibrosis in late cases.

How does Granulomatous Thyroiditis Present?

Patients with granulomatous thyroiditis are typically middle aged women. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis include myalgia, fatigue, prostration, high-grade fever, malaise, dysphagia, hoarseness, and pain over the thyroid area.

How is Granulomatous Thyroiditis Diagnosed?

Granulomatous thyroiditis is diagnosed using a radioactive iodine uptake test.

How is Granulomatous Thyroiditis Treated?

Granulomatous thyroiditis is treated with steroids and antibiotics.

What is the Prognosis of Granulomatous Thyroiditis?

The prognosis of granulomatous thyroiditis is very good as the symptom reversed in 1-3 months.