Thyroid & parathyroid
Thyroiditis
Palpation thyroiditis
Author: Shahid Islam, M.D., Ph.D.
Last author update: 1 March 2009
Last staff update: 31 August 2023
Copyright: 2003-2024, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed search: palpation thyroiditis
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Terminology | Clinical features | Case reports | Treatment | Gross description | Microscopic (histologic) description | Microscopic (histologic) images | Differential diagnosisCite this page: Islam S. Palpation thyroiditis. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/thyroidpalpation.html. Accessed April 23rd, 2024.
Definition / general
- Common (85%+ of surgically resected thyroids) but clinically insignificant
Terminology
- Also called multifocal granulomatous thyroiditis
Clinical features
- More often associated with goiter than autoimmune thyroiditis (J Korean Med Sci 1988;3:27)
- May be due to minor trauma, such as vigorous physical examinations (Am J Clin Pathol 1975;64:639)
Case reports
- 70 year old man with case causing new onset atrial fibrillation (Thyroid 2008;18:571)
Treatment
- Self limited, no treatment necessary
Gross description
- Normal, or small foci of hemorrhage
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Multiple small granulomas centered in disrupted follicles, composed of lymphocytes (usually T cells), macrophages (some foamy), occasional multinucleated giant cells associated with colloid breakdown, usually no necrosis, no neutrophils
Microscopic (histologic) images
Contributed by Andrey Bychkov, M.D., Ph.D. and AFIP
Superficially
located nodule
Intrafollicular
granulomatous
reaction
Granulomatous folliculitis
Multinucleated giant cells
Histiocytes within follicle
Histiocytes are strongly lysozyme+
Images hosted on other servers:
Granuloma
Differential diagnosis
- Fungi: PAS+ / GMS+, necrosis usually present
- Sarcoidosis: interstitial granulomas, systemic disease
- Subacute thyroiditis: acute inflammatory cells
