The pathology of autoimmune thyroid disease: a review

Are sonographic characteristics of Hashimoto's thyroiditis related with immunologic parameters? A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are widely recognized. However, there is a dearth of information concerning the relationship between these aspects. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between sonographic features and immunologic parameters in individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled a cohort of 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Ultrasonography was performed to classify thyroid gland characteristics, including parenchymal heterogeneity (mild/moderate-to-high), extent of fibrosis (none-to-mild/moderate-to-high), and volume (atrophic/non-atrophic). As for immunologic parameters, thyroid autoantibodies (TOA; anti-TPO and anti-Tg), along with IG (immunoglobulin) G4 levels and lymphocyte subsets, were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients evaluated, 88 were female (88%) and 12 were male (12%). IgG4/IgG ratio and weekly levothyroxine (LT4) dose were significantly higher in the group with moderate-to-high heterogeneity than the group with mild parenchymal heterogeneity (p = 0.043 and p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to the group with none-to-mild fibrosis, the anti-TPO, IgG4, IgG4/IgG ratio and LT4 dose were significantly higher in the moderate-to-high fibrosis group. Anti-TPO and IgG levels were significantly lower in the atrophic thyroid group compared to the non-atrophic thyroid group. Although not reaching statistical significance, the proportion of plasma cells in the moderate/high fibrosis group was higher than in the non-fibrosis/mild fibrosis group. There was a moderate positive correlation between fibrosis with Anti-TPO, and a low positive correlation between anti-Tg, IgG4 levels with IgG4/IgG ratio.

CONCLUSION

TOA, Ig G4 levels and severity of hypothyroidism were associated with ultrasonographic features such as parenchymal heterogeneity and fibrosis in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

A Pyroglutamate Aminopeptidase 1 Responsive Fluorescence Imaging Probe for Real-Time Rapid Differentiation between Thyroiditis and Thyroid Cancer

Current diagnostic methods for thyroid diseases, including blood tests, ultrasound, and biopsy, always have difficulty diagnosing thyroiditis accurately, occasionally mistaking it for thyroid cancer. To address this clinical challenge, we developed Ox-PGP1, a novel fluorescent probe realizing rapid, noninvasive, and real-time diagnostic techniques. This is the first imaging tool capable of noninvasively distinguishing between thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. Ox-PGP1 was introduced as a fluorescent probe custom-built for the specific detection and quantification of pyroglutamate aminopeptidase 1 (PGP-1), a known pivotal biomarker of inflammation. Ox-PGP1 overcame the disadvantages of traditional enzyme-responsive fluorescent probes that relied on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism, including the issue of high background fluorescence, while offering exceptional photostability under laser irradiation. The spectral properties of Ox-PGP1 were meticulously optimized to enhance its biocompatibility. Furthermore, the low limit of detection (LOD) of Ox-PGP1 was determined to be 0.09 μg/mL, which demonstrated its remarkable sensitivity and precision. Both cellular and in vivo experiments validated the capacity of Ox-PGP1 for accurate differentiation between normal, inflammatory, and cancerous thyroid cells. Furthermore, Ox-PGP1 showed the potential to rapidly and sensitively differentiate between autoimmune thyroiditis and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in a mouse model, achieving results in just 5 min. The successful design and application of Ox-PGP1 represent a substantial advancement in technology over traditional diagnostic approaches, potentially enabling earlier interventions for thyroid diseases.

In Graves' disease, thyroid autoantibodies and ultrasound features correlate with distinctive histological features

PURPOSE

Laboratory, imaging, and pathological features of Graves' disease (GD), although well characterized, have been barely correlated each other. Aim of the study was to link laboratory and ultrasound characteristics of GD with its pathological features.

METHODS

We correlated laboratory and ultrasound data at the time of diagnosis in 28 consecutive GD patients who underwent thyroidectomy with their pathological features, i.e., lymphocytic infiltration and follicular hyperplasia (both classified as mild or severe).

RESULTS

Thyroid volume correlated positively with the levels of FT4 (P = 0.002, r² = 0.42), FT3 (P = 0.011, r² = 0.22), autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (TgAbs) (P = 0.016, r² = 0.32), autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPOAbs) (P = 0.011, r² = 0.34) and the extent of lymphocytic infiltration (P = 0.006 comparing mild to severe lymphocytic infiltration) but not with the levels of autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TRAbs) and to follicular hyperplasia. Compared to subjects with mild lymphocytic infiltration, those with severe lymphocytic infiltration showed higher levels of TgAbs (316 vs 0.0 IU/mL, P < 0.0001) and TPOAbs (295 IU/mL vs 14 IU/mL, P < 0.0001) and similar levels of TRAbs (7.5 vs 13 IU/mL, P = 0.68). Compared to patients with mild, those with severe follicular hyperplasia had similar levels of TgAbs (76 vs 30 IU/mL, P = 0.31) and TPOAbs (251 IU/mL vs 45 IU/mL, P = 0.26) but higher levels of TRAbs (39 vs 7.2 IU/mL, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In GD, TgAbs and TPOAbs levels correlate with the extent of lymphocytic infiltration, TRAbs levels with the degree of follicular hyperplasia. Thyroid volume, the main factor influencing the severity of hyperthyroidism, is related to lymphocytic infiltration and not to follicular hyperplasia.

Single Cell Analysis of Human Thyroid Reveals the Transcriptional Signatures of Aging

The thyroid gland plays a critical role in the maintenance of whole-body metabolism. However, aging frequently impairs homeostatic maintenance by thyroid hormones due to increased prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis. To understand the specific aging-related changes of endocrine function in thyroid epithelial cells, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of 54 726 cells derived from pathologically normal thyroid tissues from 7 patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Thyroid endocrine epithelial cells were clustered into 5 distinct subpopulations, and a subset of cells was found to be particularly vulnerable with aging, showing functional deterioration associated with the expression of metallothionein (MT) and major histocompatibility complex class II genes. We further validated that increased expression of MT family genes are highly correlated with thyroid gland aging in bulk RNAseq datasets. This study provides evidence that aging induces specific transcriptomic changes across multiple cell populations in the human thyroid gland.

Ought to The Changes Within the Immunophenotype of Solid Cell Nests (SCNs) and Follicular Cells in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis be Considered as Premalignant Lesions?

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is more frequently reported in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), which may be associated with the presence of solid cell nests (SCNs) and focal PTC-like nuclear alterations in the thyroid gland. The point of this consideration was to assess the morphological and immunohistochemical features of SCNs and follicular epithelial changes in Vietnamese patients with HT.

Materials and Methods

Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry were performed on 20 samples of HT patients who underwent thyroidectomy and were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis at Military Medical Hospital 103 from 6/2018 to 6/2019. The expression of five markers (P63, Calcitonin, TTF1, CK19 and HBME-1) in SCNs and follicular epithelial changes were evaluated.

Results

Ninety per cent of samples had SCNs with an average of 10 SCNs per section. Only type 1 and type 4 SCNs were presented (85% and 55%, respectively) and all SCNs were composed of main cells (p63-positive). Fifteen of the 18 cases having SCNs possessed nuclear features of PTC. C-cell hyperplasia was found in one case with 20 clusters. All SCNs showed strong staining with CK19 and weak staining with HBME-1. Follicular epithelial changes were Hürthle cell metaplasia, PTC-like nuclear alterations, atypical solid nodules, papillary and glomerular-like forms (40%, 100%, 25% and 50%, respectively). Follicular cells of glomerular-like forms (new alteration) especially were positive with CK19 (2+ ~ 3+), HBME-1 (1+) and TTF1, while the components in these follicles were negative with CK19, HBME-1 and TTF1. Among PTC-like nuclear alterations, all the atypical solid nodules related to HT showed markers related to PTC and without SCNs.

Conclusions

Increasing the number of SCNs, as well as PTC-like nuclear alterations of main cells in SCNs and follicular epithelial changes were co-expressed CK19 and HBME-1. Therefore, the need for HT management should be considered.

The Relationship Between Primary Thyroid Lymphoma and Various Types of Thyroid Autoimmunity: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 498 Cases, Including 9 Cases with Graves' Disease

Background: Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is known to develop mostly in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and it is rare for it to develop in patients with Graves' disease (GD). The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features, pathological findings, and long-term outcomes of PTL patients, grouped according to the presence of GD, HT, or no autoimmune thyroid disease (AITDs). The GD group was of major interest due to limited knowledge of the relationship with PTL. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with PTL between August 1979 and October 2021, and we characterized the patients according to the presence of HT, GD, or no AITDs. Pathological specimens were classified according to the World Health Organization classification. Staging was performed in accordance with the Ann Arbor classification. Results: During the 42-year period, 498 participants were diagnosed with PTL. The median age was 68 (interquartile range 61-76) years, and 221 patients were stage IE, whereas the remaining 277 patients were stage IIE. Of the PTL patients, 431 (86.6%) were diagnosed with HT, 9 (1.8%) were diagnosed with GD, and 58 (11.6%) did not have AITDs. All nine patients with GD were positive for anti-thyroglobulin antibody and/or anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody. All patients with GD were treated with anti-thyroid medication. There were no significant differences in the proportions of each subtype of PTL between the PTL patients with GD and all subjects with PTL (p = 0.51), PTL patients with HT (p = 0.51), or PTL patients without AITDs (p = 0.48). The median follow-up time was 6.2 (interquartile range 3.0-10.7) years after the diagnosis of PTL. The Kaplan-Meier curve analyses showed no significant differences in overall survival and event-free survival between PTL patients with GD and those with HT (p = 0.37), or between PTL patients with GD and those without AITDs (p = 0.43). Conclusions: The PTL was observed with HT in a majority of cases, and rarely with GD (1.8%). The proportions of each pathological subtype of PTL and the prognosis of PTL were not different between the patients with GD and those with HT or those without AITDs.

Incidence of Post-Heart Transplant Chronic Thyroiditis and Its Association With Pretransplant Amiodarone Use

BACKGROUND

Chronic thyroiditis (CT) is a common cause of thyroid dysfunction and could therefore adversely affect outcomes in patients undergoing heart transplant (HT). The incidence of post-HT CT and whether amiodarone, a commonly used anti-arrhythmic drug in patients with heart failure during pre-HT period, is associated with the development of post-HT CT are unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective review of HT recipients from February 2, 2010 to October 16, 2018 was performed. Patients who lacked relevant pre-/post-HT records, underwent thyroidectomy, had pre-HT thyroid dysfunction or thyroiditis within 15 days post-HT, and those on amiodarone during the post-HT period were excluded, yielding a final cohort of 75 patients.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age of 63.3 ± 1.4 years and were predominantly male (90.7%) and white (80%). The incidence of post-HT CT was 32% with the majority (83.3%) manifesting as hypothyroidism. Median time to diagnosis of CT after transplant was 10.2 months (interquartile range, 4-27.4). Additionally, the CT group had higher pre-HT use of amiodarone (non-CT vs CT: 21.6% vs 50%, P = .01), higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (non-CT vs CT: 23.5% vs 45.8%; P = .05), and more stage IV/V chronic kidney disease (non-CT vs CT: 2% vs 16.7%, P = .02). On multivariate analysis, pre-HT amiodarone use was associated with the development of post-HT CT after adjustment for age, sex, and chronic kidney disease (odds ratio, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.17-11.44; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of post-HT CT is high and is strongly associated with pre-HT amiodarone use underpinning the importance of closely following the post-HT thyroid profile in these patients.

The significance of Hashimoto's thyroiditis for postoperative complications of thyroid surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common immune-mediated diseases. It makes thyroid surgery more complicated and difficult because there may be adhesions between the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. However, it is still controversial whether HT patients carry a high risk for postoperative complications of thyroid surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of HT for the postoperative complications of thyroid surgery.

METHODS

A search for studies assessing the postoperative complication risks of HT patients compared with that of patients with benign nodules (BNs) was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Nine studies (20,118 cases, 1,582 cases of HT and 18,536 cases of BN) were identified, and the data from the relevant outcomes were extracted and analysed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the HT group and BN group in recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (PHP). The rate of transient hypocalcaemia (THC) was significantly higher in the HT group (16.85%) than in the BN group (13.20%).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis showed that HT only increased the risk of the postoperative complication THC compared to BN. Understanding the significance of HT in postoperative hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery would help clinicians perform sufficient preoperative (and postoperative) assessments and to optimise surgical planning.

Integrated analysis of RNA-binding proteins in thyroid cancer

Recently, the incidence of thyroid cancer (THCA) has been on the rise. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and their abnormal expression are closely related to the emergence and pathogenesis of tumor diseases. In this study, we obtained gene expression data and corresponding clinical information from the TCGA database. A total of 162 aberrantly expressed RBPs were obtained, comprising 92 up-regulated and 70 down-regulated RBPs. Then, we performed a functional enrichment analysis and constructed a PPI network. Through univariate Cox regression analysis of key genes and found that NOLC1 (p = 0.036), RPS27L (p = 0.011), TDRD9 (p = 0.016), TDRD6 (p = 0.002), IFIT2 (p = 0.037), and IFIT3 (p = 0.02) were significantly related to the prognosis. Through the online website Kaplan-Meier plotter and multivariate Cox analysis, we identified 2 RBP-coding genes (RPS27L and IFIT3) to construct a predictive model in the entire TCGA dataset and then validate in two subsets. In-depth analysis revealed that the data gave by this model, the patient's high-risk score is very closely related to the overall survival rate difference (p = 0.038). Further, we investigated the correlation between the model and the clinic, and the results indicated that the high-risk was in the male group (p = 0.011) and the T3-4 group (p = 0.046) was associated with a poor prognosis. On the whole, the conclusions of our research this time can make it possible to find more insights into the research on the pathogenesis of THCA, this could be beneficial for individualized treatment and medical decision making.

Hürthle cell metaplasia in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis: Role of age factor and review of literature on its molecular pathogenesis

OBJECTIVES

Hürthle cell (HC) metaplasia is an important feature of chronic lymphocytic (Hashimoto) thyroiditis (HT). However, it is rarely observed in juvenile form HT. In a study based on fine needle aspiration cytology, the cytomorphological difference between pediatric HT and its adult form was studied, with special attention on HC metaplasia and its pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The frequency of following 12 cytomorphological features in 16 pediatric and 104 adult HT cases were compared: follicular cells, lymphoid cells, HCs, plasma cells, lympho-histiocytic aggregates, epithelioid histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells, fire-flare appearance, colloid, intracytoplasmic lumen (ICL) with or without colloid inclusion, paravacuolar granules, and cyst cells. The age decade distribution of HC metaplasia was analyzed.

RESULTS

Significant difference was observed between pediatric HT and its adult form in respect of HC metaplasia and ICL with colloid inclusion in HC. HC were present in 7 (43.8%) of pediatric and 94 (90.4%) of adult HT cases (P = 0.00006). 1 (6.3%) pediatric and 35 (33.7%) adult HT cases had ICL with colloid inclusion in HC (P = 0.03698). As compared to first two decades of life, significantly higher number of cases revealed HC metaplasia in every decade from third decade onwards (P = 0.01290-0.00009); however, the difference in respect of ICL with colloid inclusions attained significance during sixth decade only (P = 0.00235).

CONCLUSIONS

Hürthlization, which appears to be survival response, is rare in pediatric HT and becomes more pronounced starting from third decade onwards; significant increase in ICL with colloid inclusion is a much more delayed phenomenon.

Noninflammatory Diffuse Follicular Hypertrophy/Hyperplasia of Graves Disease: Morphometric Evaluation in an Experimental Mouse Model

OBJECTIVES

Experimental models of Graves hyperthyroid disease accompanied by Graves orbitopathy (GO) can be efficiently induced in susceptible inbred strains of mice by immunization by electroporation of heterologous human TSH receptor (TSHR) A-subunit plasmid. The interrelated pathological findings in the thyroid glands of Graves disease (GD) that explain the core changes classically include diffuse follicular hyperplasia and multifocal mild lymphocytic infiltrate. However, the relative contributions of different thyroid tissue components (colloid, follicular cells, and stroma) have not been previously evaluated. In this study, we characterize the thyroid gland of an experimental mouse model of autoimmune GD. Our objective was to define the relative contribution of the different thyroid tissue components to the pathology of glands in the experimental model.

METHODS

Mice were immunized with human TSHR A-subunit plasmid. Antibodies induced to human TSHR were pathogenic in vivo due to their cross-reactivity to mouse TSHR.

RESULTS

Autoimmune thyroid disease in the model was characterized by histopathology of hyperplastic glands with large follicular cells. Further examination of thyroid glands of immunized animals revealed a significantly increased follicular area and follicle/stroma ratio, morphometrically correlated with a noninflammatory follicular hyperplasia/hypertrophy. The increased follicle/stroma ratio was the most relevant morphometrically variable summarizing the pathological changes for screening purposes.

CONCLUSION

GD thyroid glands are enlarged and characterized by a noninflammatory diffuse follicular cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy and a significant increase in the follicles with an increased follicle/stroma ratio. Overall, this mouse model is a faithful model of an early hyperthyroid status of GD (diffuse glandular involvement and follicular expansion).

Role of Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

We investigated the role of the virtual touch tissue quantification (VTQ) technique in diagnosing Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and in distinguishing various HT-related thyroid dysfunctions. Two hundred HT patients and 100 healthy volunteers (the control group) were enrolled. The diagnostic performance of VTQ in predicting HT was calculated as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (A_Z). The HT patients were further classified into three subgroups on the basis of serologic tests of thyroid function: hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Comparisons of shear wave velocity (SWV) between three subgroups were evaluated by analysis of variance. The mean SWV of the control group was significantly lower than that of the HT group (1.93 ± 0.33 m/s vs. 2.32 ± 0.49 m/s, p <0.001). A_z was 0.734 with a cut-off value of 1.86 m/s for performance of SWV in distinguishing between HT and a healthy thyroid; the sensitivity and specificity were 82.5% and 50.0%, respectively. Mean SWV values in the three HT subgroups (hyperthyroidism [2.07 ± 0.37 cm/s] vs. euthyroidism [2.20 ± 0.40 cm/s] vs. hypothyroidism [2.49 ± 0.46 cm/s]) were significantly different (p <0.05). Our results suggest that VTQ is a promising technique for assessing HT and HT-related thyroid dysfunction.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis

OBJECTIVES

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), also known as Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), is a degenerative inflammatory disease with high prevalence among women and has been associated with fibromyalgia and widespread chronic pain. The goal was to determine the frequency of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with HT.

METHODS

In all, 119 women (age 19-60 years) were divided into a study (52 women diagnosed with HT) and a control (67 healthy individuals, of which 15 were excluded) group. Serum concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels were measured. The temporomandibular jaw and muscles were examined using the German Society of Functional Diagnostics and Therapy guidelines. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) was used to assess TMD. Standardized questionnaires, incorporating epidemiological criteria, state and treatment of the thyroid disease, Helkimo Index (HI), and Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), were filled out by all patients.

RESULTS

The two groups did not differ in terms of demographic parameters or mandibular jaw mobility. Significantly higher levels of anti-TPO and anti-Tg were attested in all subjects of the HT group. Markedly elevated prevalence of TMD was found in the HT group. Muscle pain and stiffness were found in 45 (86.5%) subjects of the HT group (p < 0.001), of whom 33 (63.4%) also had disc displacement with reposition (p < 0.001). Whereas 50% of the control group showed no TMD symptoms, all subjects in the HT group had symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly elevated prevalence of TMD was found in patients with HT. Thus, patients with TMD who do not respond to therapy should be referred for thyroid diagnostic workup.

The End-Diastolic Velocity of Thyroid Arteries Is Strongly Correlated with the Peak Systolic Velocity and Gland Volume in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Background

The end-diastolic velocity (EDV) of thyroid arteries reflects peripheral blood flow resistance.

Objective

The aim was to evaluate EDV correlations with other Doppler sonography parameters and with clinical and biochemical variables in a sample of patients with hypothyroidism caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT).

Methods

A sample of 48 CAT hypothyroid patients receiving treatment with stable doses of levothyroxine was selected. The participants underwent clinical evaluation and measurement of serum thyrotropin (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free T4, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), and antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg) and Doppler sonography.

Results

The EDV of the inferior thyroid arteries (ITA-EDV) was strongly and positively correlated with the peak systolic velocity of the inferior thyroid arteries (ITA-PSV, r = 0.919), thyroid volume (r = 0.711), and thyroid visual vascularization pattern (TVP, r = 0.687). There was no correlation between ITA-EDV and the clinical variables, hormones, anti-TPO, or anti-Tg.

Conclusion

The strong correlation of ITA-EDV with ITA-PSV, TVP, and volume suggests that increased vascularization in CAT may be associated with a reduction in thyroid blood flow resistance, possibly due to an angiogenesis-induced increase in the total vascular cross-sectional area of the parenchyma.

Knockdown of GATAD2A suppresses cell proliferation in thyroid cancer in vitro

GATAD2A (GATA zinc finger domain containing 2A), is a subunit of NuRP (nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylation) which plays key roles in tumor growth inhibition and embryonic development. However, its role in thyroid cancer remains unclear. In our study, we established two thyroid cancer cell lines by lentivirus-delivered short hairpin (shRNA) to knockdown the expression of GATAD2A. Then loss-of-function assays indicated that knockdown of GATAD2A decreased the ability of cell proliferation and colony formation in thyroid cancer cells by MTT and colony formation assay, respectively. Moreover, cell cycle assay by flow cytometry revealed that the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase was significantly decreased in GATAD2A knockdown cells accompanied by increase of cells in G2/M phase. Furthermore, inhibition of GATAD2A promoted cell apoptosis via elevating the expression of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage using Annexin V/7-AAD double staining and western blotting. In conclusion, GATAD2A is an essential factor in thyroid cancer cell growth and apoptosis, and may be a potential therapeutic biomarker in thyroid cancer.

An additional ultrasonographic sign of Hashimoto's lymphocytic thyroiditis in children

We present an additional sonographic sign of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HLT), increasing the specificity of this method in pediatric populations.

Differentiation between Graves' disease and painless thyroiditis by diffusion-weighted imaging, thyroid iodine uptake, thyroid scintigraphy and serum parameters

The aim of the present study was to assess the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), thyroid radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU), thyroid scintigraphy and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) levels in the differential diagnosis between Graves' disease (GD) and painless thyroiditis (PT). A total of 102 patients with GD and 37 patients with PT were enrolled in the study. DWI was obtained with a 3.0-T magnetic resonance scanner, and ADC values were calculated. RAIU and thyroid scintigraphy were performed. Tissue samples were obtained from patients with GD (6 cases) following thyroidectomy, and from patients with PT (2 cases) following biopsy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn, optimal cut-off values were selected, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were assessed. It was found that the ADC, TRAb and RAIU were significantly higher in GD than in PT (P<0.05). ROC curves showed areas under the curves for RAIU, ADC and TRAb that were >0.900. RAIU was the reference method. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were 96.078, 91.892, 95.000, 97.059 and 89.474% for ADC, and 88.235, 75.676, 84.892, 90.909 and 70.000% for TRAb, after the optimal thresholds of 1.837×10^-3 mm²/sec and 1.350 IU/ml were determined respectively. Histopathology showed that tissue cellularity in PT was much higher than in GD due to massive lymphocytic infiltration. The results of the present study indicate that RAIU, ADC and TRAb are of diagnostic value for differentiating between GD and PT. DWI has great potential for thyroid pathophysiological imaging because it reflects differences in tissue cellularity between GD and PT.

Sonographic appearance of thyroid cancer in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the sonographic appearance of thyroid cancer differs in patients with and without Hashimoto thyroiditis.

METHODS

Patients with histologically proven thyroid cancer who had thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies measured and sonography performed preoperatively were included. We evaluated each nodule for size, echogenicity, composition, margins, halo, and vascularity and evaluated the background heterogeneity of the gland.

RESULTS

There were 162 thyroid cancers in 145 patients. Forty-two patients (29.0%) had Hashimoto thyroiditis with positive TPO antibodies, and 103 patients (71.0%) had negative TPO antibodies. The background echogenicity was more often heterogeneous in TPO antibody-positive patients compared to those who had negative TPO antibodies (57.1% versus 26.2%; P= .0005). Comparing cancers in TPO antibody-positive to TPO antibody-negative patients, there was no significant difference in the size, echogenicity, composition, margins, halo presence, calcification presence and type, or vascularity of the cancerous nodule (P > .05). Among TPO antibody-positive patients, comparing thyroid cancerous nodules in patients with heterogeneous glands to those with homogeneous glands, there was no significant difference in any sonographic characteristic except the margin of the nodule, which was more often irregular or poorly defined in heterogeneous glands and more often smooth in homogeneous glands (P< .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographic features of thyroid cancer are similar in patients with and without Hashimoto thyroiditis. Among patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis and thyroid cancer, the sonographic appearance of the cancerous nodule is similar, except that cancerous nodule margins are more likely to be irregular or poorly defined when the gland is heterogeneous.

Shear Wave Velocity: A New Quantitative Index to Estimate the Status of Thyroid in Diffuse Thyroid Disease

Objective. The purpose of the study was to assess the application value of VTQ in DTD. Research Design and Methods. Thirty healthy subjects and 74 DTD patients were involved. The thyroid stiffness, which was expressed by SWV, was measured by VTQ and compared between the patients and healthy people. The relationship between SWV and thyroid serological indexes was also analyzed. Results. The thyroid SWVs of DTD patients were higher than those of the healthy (2.56 ± 1.33 m/s versus 1.74 ± 0.16 m/s, P = 0.011). There was no significant difference between the thyroid SWVs in GD and HT patients (P = 0.168). The SWVs in patients with GD and HT were both higher than those of the healthy (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.938 for SWV to distinguish between DTD and healthy thyroid. With a cutoff value of 2.02 m/s, the sensitivity and specificity were 81.12% and 100.00%, respectively. Additionally, we found a positive liner correlation between thyroid SWV and TSH in DTD patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion. SWV is a good indicator of the thyroid tissue stiffness, which might be considered helpful in screening DTD. What is more, SWV might have a potential in assessing the thyroid function.

Impact of nutritional iodine optimization on rates of thyroid hypoechogenicity and autoimmune thyroiditis: a cross-sectional, comparative study

BACKGROUND

Since several countries have established mandatory food iodine fortification, there has been a decrease in rates of iodine deficiency disorders in parallel with an increase in prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases. This study compared the nutritional iodine status and the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid hypoechogenicity on ultrasound in schoolchildren in São Paulo (Brazil) in two distinct periods of time in which fortified salt had different concentrations of iodine.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study evaluating 206 children aged 7-14 years and without a history of thyroid disease. Assessments included measurements of thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine, antithyroperoxidase (anti-TPO), and antithyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies, urinary iodine concentration, and thyroid ultrasound.

RESULTS

Mean urinary iodine concentration was 165.1 μg/L. Eleven children (5.3%) were diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis based on at least two of four criteria adopted in our study: positive anti-TPO or anti-TG antibody, hypoechogenicity of the thyroid parenchyma on ultrasound, and a TSH >4.0 μU/mL. Comparing our results with those from a similar study conducted during a period in which concentrations of iodine in the salt were higher (median urinary iodine concentration >300 μg/L), we observed a trend toward a lower prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis, although no definitive conclusion could be established.

CONCLUSION

The current nutritional iodine status in our cohort was within optimal levels and lower than levels found in 2003. The prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis seems to be decreasing in parallel with a decrease in iodine intake, although we could not reach a definitive conclusion.

Current role and value of fine-needle aspiration in nodular goitre

Thyroid nodules are common and, depending on the detection technique used, can affect 50% or greater of the population. The primary diagnostic test to assess the nature of these nodules is fine-needle aspiration cytology. Most thyroid nodules are benign and often are multiple. However, the morphology of these nodules may mimic neoplasms showing features such as papillary growth, micro-follicles and even oncocytic metaplasia. Lesions with these features may be considered indeterminate for neoplasm or malignancy, and often require surgical excision to define their nature. The role of cytopathology in this area is to screen those definitely benign nodules, thus preventing surgery and reassuring both the patient and the clinician. In this review, we demonstrate many of the morphological manifestations of nodular goiter and stress the necessity of careful preparatory techniques. Although the past several years have witnessed the development of molecular testing to refine diagnostic cytology in the thyroid, it is still the role of the cytopathologist to identify those "indeterminant" nodules which should be tested. Thus, the cytopathologist contributes both an essential diagnostic and an important cost saving role which hopefully will continue in the future.

Pathologic spectrum of lymphocytic infiltration and recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients according to different pathologic grades of lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 144 PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with radioactive iodine remnant ablation therapy. Pathologic grades of LT were separated at two points, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT). Patients were divided into two groupings according to the presence of the diseases (Grouping 1; patients with CLT or HT and without CLT or HT, Grouping 2; patients with HT and without HT). The groupings were compared according to recurrence, clinicopathologic and ultrasound (US) characteristics, and disease free survival.

RESULTS

Of 144 patients, 41 had CLT and 19 had HT. There were 10 patients (6.9%) with tumor recurrence. In both groupings, the presence of calcification was more frequently associated with patients with LT (p=0.041 and 0.047, respectively). In Grouping 2, the mean age at diagnosis was older in patients without HT compared to patients with HT (p=0.032). On multivariate analysis, the presence of LT was not an independent predictor of recurrence in both groupings. For both groupings, pathologic tumor size and taller than wide shape on US were independent predictors of recurrence. The presence of LT in PTC patients did not affect recurrence.

CONCLUSION

There was no relationship between PTC prognosis and different grades of LT. Pathologic tumor size and taller than wide shape on ultrasound were independent predictors of PTC recurrence regardless of concurrent LT.

Oncocytic lesions of the neuroendocrine system

This paper reviews the pathologic features of lesions which are oncocytic and involve classic endocrine organs. The history of the oncocytic cell, its morphologic and ultrastructural features, and important immunohistochemical findings are reviewed. Oncocytic proliferations including non-neoplastic and neoplastic of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal (both cortex and medulla), and pituitary are described. Their clinical relevance, functional capacity and capability, and where appropriate, prognostic implications are discussed. Important and relevant molecular biological information is included where appropriate.

Risk of lymph node metastases in multifocal papillary thyroid cancer associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of lymph nodes metastases (LNM) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and coexisting Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with PTC and HT who had undergone total thyroidectomy (TT) with central neck dissection (CND) over an 11-year period (between 2002 and 2012). Pathological reports of all eligible patients were reviewed. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify risk factors of LNM.

RESULTS

During the study period, PTC was diagnosed in 130 patients with HT who had undergone TT with CND (F/M ratio = 110:20; median age, 52.4 ± 12.7 years). Multifocal lesions were observed in 28 (21.5 %) patients. LNM were identified in 25 of 28 (89.3 %) patients with multifocal PTC and HT versus 69 of 102 (67.5 %) patients with a solitary focus of PTC and HT (p = 0.023). In multivariable analysis, multifocal disease was identified as an independent risk factor for LNM (odds ratio, 3.99; 95 % confidence interval, 1.12 to 14.15; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Multifocal PTC in patients with HT is associated with an increased risk of LNM. Nevertheless, the clinical importance of this finding needs to be validated in well-designed prospective studies.

Diagnostic role of conventional ultrasonography and shearwave elastography in asymptomatic patients with diffuse thyroid disease: initial experience with 57 patients

PURPOSE

Thyroid ultrasonography (US) is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of diffuse thyroid disease (DTD), whereas shearwave elastography is a dynamic technique that can provide information about tissue hardness by using acoustic shearwaves remotely induced by a focused ultrasonic beam. This study aims at investigating the role of conventional US and shearwave elastography in the diagnosis of asymptomatic patients with DTD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven patients who underwent both conventional US and shearwave elastography were included in this study. Interobserver variability of the three radiologists in assessment of underlying thyroid echogenicity on conventional US was analyzed. Diagnostic performances for diagnosing DTD on conventional US and shearwave elastography were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

Fair agreement was observed in the identification of DTD with conventional US (kappa value= 0.27). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) were 0.52-0.585 on conventional US by three radiologists. The Az values when using the mean and maximum elasticity values as a diagnostic criteria for DTD were 0.619 and 0.59 on shearwave elastography. Patients with DTD showed higher mean [24.1±10 kilo-Pascals (kPa)] and maximum (36.4±13.3 kPa) elasticity values on shearwave elastography when compared to the normal group (23.4±10.8 kPa and 33.7±12.4 kPa, respectively), although without statistical significance (p=0.802 and p=0.452, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Conventional US did not show reliable interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of DTD. Although not statistically significant, shearwave elastography may provide additional information in the diagnosis of DTD. Therefore, larger prospective studies are needed to define the values of shearwave elastography for diagnosing DTD.

Computed tomography features of incidentally detected diffuse thyroid disease

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the CT features of incidentally detected DTD in the patients who underwent thyroidectomy and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CT diagnosis. Methods. We enrolled 209 consecutive patients who received preoperative neck CT and subsequent thyroid surgery. Neck CT in each case was retrospectively investigated by a single radiologist. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of individual CT features and the cut-off CT criteria for detecting DTD by comparing the CT features with histopathological results. Results. Histopathological examination of the 209 cases revealed normal thyroid (n = 157), Hashimoto thyroiditis (n = 17), non-Hashimoto lymphocytic thyroiditis (n = 34), and diffuse hyperplasia (n = 1). The CT features suggestive of DTD included low attenuation, inhomogeneous attenuation, increased glandular size, lobulated margin, and inhomogeneous enhancement. ROC curve analysis revealed that CT diagnosis of DTD based on the CT classification of "3 or more" abnormal CT features was superior. When the "3 or more" CT classification was selected, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of CT diagnosis for DTD were 55.8%, 95.5%, 80.6%, 86.7%, and 85.6%, respectively. Conclusion. Neck CT may be helpful for the detection of incidental DTD.

Delineating the autoimmune mechanisms in Graves' disease

The immunologic processes involved in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), particularly Graves' disease (GD), are similar to other autoimmune diseases with the emphasis on the antibodies as the most unique aspect. These characteristics include a lymphocytic infiltrate at the target organs, the presence of antigen-reactive T and B cells and antibodies, and the establishment of animal models of GD by antibody transfer or immunization with antigen. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, risk factors for GD include the presence of multiple susceptibility genes, including certain HLA alleles, and the TSHR gene itself. In addition, a variety of known risk factors and precipitators have been characterized including the influence of sex and sex hormones, pregnancy, stress, infection, iodine and other potential environmental factors. The pathogenesis of GD is likely the result of a breakdown in the tolerance mechanisms, both at central and peripheral levels. Different subsets of T and B cells together with their regulatory populations play important roles in the propagation and maintenance of the disease process. Understanding different mechanistic in the complex system biology interplay will help to identify unique factors contributing to the AITD pathogenesis.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis: celebrating the centennial through the lens of the Johns Hopkins hospital surgical pathology records

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is now considered the most prevalent autoimmune disease, as well as the most common endocrine disorder. It was initially described in 1912, but only rarely reported until the early 1950s. To celebrate this centennial, we reviewed the surgical pathology archives of the Johns Hopkins hospital for cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, spanning the period from May 1889 to October 2012. Approximately 15,000 thyroidectomies were performed at this hospital over 124 years. The first surgical case was reported in 1942, 30 years after the original description. Then, 867 cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis were seen from 1942 to 2012, representing 6% of all thyroidectomies. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was the sole pathological finding in 462 cases; it accompanied other thyroid pathologies in the remaining 405 cases. The most commonly associated pathology was papillary thyroid cancer, an association that increased significantly during the last two decades. The most common indication for thyroidectomy was a thyroid nodule that was cytologically suspicious for malignancy. Hashimoto's thyroiditis remains a widespread, intriguing, and multifaceted disease of unknown etiology one century after its description. Advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis and preoperative diagnosis will improve recognition and treatment of this disorder, and may one day lead to its prevention.

Is thyroidectomy in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis more risky?

BACKGROUND

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antibodies such as antithyroperoxidase, which leads to the destruction of the thyroid gland and a decrease in normal thyroid function. Thyroidectomy is performed when the patient presents with symptoms or potential neoplastic degeneration occurs; however, surgery can be difficult because of the dense inflammatory process around the thyroid gland. We hypothesized that patients with HT may have a higher rate of complications after thyroid surgery.

METHODS

We identified 1791 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy from May 1994 to December 2009. Patients with HT were compared with those without HT with regard to outcomes with analysis of variance and chi-square test (SPSS, Inc).

RESULTS

Patients with HT were significantly younger and more likely to be female. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of malignancy. However, patients undergoing thyroidectomy with HT had a significantly higher postoperative complication rate. Specifically, the rates of overall, transient, and permanent complications were all increased in HT patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with HT had a higher rate of complications after thyroidectomy compared with those without HT. Therefore, careful consideration must be taken before pursuing operative treatment in patients with HT including providing adequate informed consent regarding the increased risks of surgery.

Hürthle cells predict hypothyroidism in interferon-γ transgenic mice of different genetic backgrounds

Hürthle cells have long been described in Hashimoto thyroiditis but remain of undetermined significance. We have previously shown that Hürthle cells and hypothyroidism develop in C57BL/6J mice expressing interferon-γ (IFNγ) in the thyroid. To assess the influence of genetic backgrounds on Hürthle cell development, we crossed C57BL/6J IFNγ transgenic mice to 14 strains and analyzed thyroid histopathology and function in a cohort of 389 mice (225 transgenic and 164 wild type) using a multiple linear regression model that also included strain, sex, genotype, and major histocompatibility complex haplotype. We then queried the Johns Hopkins surgical pathology electronic archive for "Hashimoto" and/or "thyroiditis" keywords, reviewed the reports, and reexamined the Hashimoto slides. Hürthle cells were markedly affected by the genetic background: they were prominent and associated with hypothyroidism in the C57BL/6J, C57BL/6ByJ, C57BL/10J, C57BLKS/J, C57L/J, C58/J, and BPN/3J IFNγ transgenic strains, whereas they are mild or absent in the BPH/2J, BPL/1J, LP/J, CBA/J, Balb/cJ, DBA/1J, and NOD/ShiLtJ strains. Hürthle cells were the strongest predictor of hypothyroidism after adjusting for all the other covariates in the regression model. Interestingly, transgenic mice of the BPL/1J, DBA/1J, and NOD/ShiLtJ strains developed a marked accumulation of intrathyroidal brown adipocytes that was significantly associated with improved thyroid function. Hürthle cells were mentioned in 23% of the Hashimoto reports but increased to 79% upon our slide review. This study reports a novel association of Hürhtle cells and brown adipocytes on thyroid function that should prompt a reconsideration of their significance and role in pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Distinct histopathological features of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with respect to IgG4-related disease

A form of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing changes and increased numbers of IgG4-positive plasma cells has recently been reported in the literature. These histopathological features suggest that this subtype of Hashimoto's thyroiditis may be closely related to IgG4-related disease. Therefore, this unique form of IgG4-related Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is referred to as IgG4 thyroiditis, has its own clinical, serological, and sonographic features that are distinct from those associated with non-IgG4 thyroiditis. IgG4 thyroiditis shares similarities with the well-known fibrous variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis; however, the detailed histopathological features of IgG4 thyroiditis have not been well established. Based on immunostaining results, 105 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were divided into an IgG4 thyroiditis group (n=28) and a non-IgG4 thyroiditis group (n=77). As in our previous reports, IgG4 thyroiditis was associated with a patient population of a younger age, a lower female-to-male ratio, rapid progression, higher levels of thyroid autoantibodies, subclinical hypothyroidism, and diffuse sonographic echogenicity. Histopathologically, this group revealed severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, dense stromal fibrosis, marked follicular cell degeneration, numerous micro-follicles, and notable giant cell/histiocyte infiltration. Importantly, the IgG4-related group did not completely overlap with fibrous variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Four cases (14%) in the IgG4 thyroiditis group presented only mild fibrosis in the stroma, whereas 29 cases (38%) in the non-IgG4 thyroiditis group met the diagnostic criteria for fibrous variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Furthermore, we observed three patterns of stromal fibrosis in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: interfollicular fibrosis, interlobular fibrosis, and scar fibrosis. The IgG4 thyroiditis group was significantly associated with the presence of predominant interfollicular fibrosis. In conclusion, IgG4 Hashimoto's thyroiditis presents histopathological features quite distinct from its non-IgG4 counterpart.

The significance of hurthle cells in thyroid disease

Hürthle cells (HCs) and HC change, along with the frequently employed synonyms "oncocytes/oncocytic change" or "oxyphils/oxyphilic change," are not infrequently described on fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) reports of thyroid lesions. The description of HCs on FNAB reports may cause significant concern to the clinician; however, placing the finding in the appropriate clinical context may alleviate some anxiety. Not all oxyphilic cells are true HCs and not every aspirate containing HCs is or should be considered equivalent to an HC neoplasm (HCN). There are many benign thyroid lesions associated with HCs or HC change. For clinicians, it may be difficult to discern the significance of these findings and to determine an appropriate course of action. A skilled and experienced cytopathologist is invaluable in discriminating the subtle features that distinguish these lesions from those warranting a more aggressive approach. The diagnosis of HC carcinoma relies on histopathologic scrutiny and evidence of capsular and/or vascular invasion or metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs. Many investigators have sought clinical, radiographic, cytological, genetic, and other factors to attempt to discriminate preoperatively between benign and malignant HCNs. To date, none have been definitively proven to be reliable. For now, because of the inability to determine the benign or malignant nature of such neoplasms based on cytology alone, a surgical approach is warranted.

Should patients with symptomatic Hashimoto's thyroiditis pursue surgery?

BACKGROUND

In this study, patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and significant symptoms were evaluated for improvement or resolution of preoperative symptoms after thyroidectomy. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by production of antibodies such as anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO), which leads to destruction of the thyroid gland and a decrease in normal thyroid function. Thyroidectomy is not generally recommended because the dense inflammatory process that surrounds the thyroid gland can make resection more difficult. However, patients with HT are considered for surgery if they experience persistent symptoms after conservative therapy. We hypothesized that patients with HT and significant compressive and other associated symptoms may benefit from thyroidectomy for palliation.

METHODS

We identified 1791 patients who underwent thyroidectomy from May 1994 to December 2009. Of those 1791 patients, 311 were diagnosed with HT. Of these 311 patients, 133 had 170 significant preoperative symptoms, and served as our sample population. Patients were subjectively evaluated for improvement or relief of symptoms postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean age of the group was 46 ± 1 y, and 90% were female. Patients underwent lobectomy (33%), subtotal thyroidectomy (6%), or total thyroidectomy (61%). The overall rate of symptomatic improvement for HT patients was 90% after thyroidectomy. The most frequent preoperative symptom was compression, and >93% of patients experienced relief. In addition, we found high rates of improvement for HT patients with other preoperative symptoms including voice problems (77%), hormone imbalance (84%), and other (90%).

CONCLUSION

The overwhelming majority of HT patients with significant symptoms appear to benefit from thyroidectomy. Therefore, HT patients should consider pursuing surgery for palliation if they suffer from persistent symptoms after conservative therapy.

Clinical and pathological features of Riedel's thyroiditis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical and pathological features of Riedel's thyroiditis (RT), and current diagnostic and treatment methods for that disease.

METHODS

Five RT cases identified by surgery and pathological examinations at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1985 to 2009 were analyzed and compared with the cases reported in the literature in terms of clinical and pathological features. Immunohistochemical staining of kappa and lambda light chains was carried out for RT tissues from all the five patients.

RESULTS

All the five cases were females, aged 45-55 years. Elevation of serum thyroid autoantibodies was found in only one patient, who had longer disease duration than the others. Pathological examination revealed invasive fibrosclerosis of the thyroid follicles, thyroid capsule, and the surrounding tissues. In RT tissues, the number of cells containing lambda chains was a little higher than those containing kappa chains.

CONCLUSIONS

RT is a rare disease which might be more common in middle-aged females than in other populations. Pathological features include the destruction of thyroid follicle, extension into surrounding tissues by inflammatory cells and fibrous tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of kappa and lambda chains could help diagnose RT.

Importância da ecogenicidade da tireóide no diagnóstico da tireoidite crônica auto-imune

A tireoidite crônica auto-imune é, atualmente, a principal causa de hipotireoidismo e seu diagnóstico baseia-se nas manifestações clínico-laboratoriais. O marcador laboratorial mais importante é a presença de anticorpos antitireoglobulina e antiperoxidase, sendo este último o teste mais sensível. A biópsia aspirativa apresenta alta sensibilidade e especificidade, porém, é um método invasivo e, por isso, reservado para quando há presença de nódulo ou bócio de crescimento rápido. A cintilografia é desnecessária para o diagnóstico, já que apresenta baixa sensibilidade e especificidade. A ultra-sonografia, tanto ao modo B como ao dúplex-Doppler colorido, evoluiu de forma muito rápida e tornou-se um método simples, não-invasivo, reprodutível e com alta sensibilidade para o diagnóstico da tireoidite crônica auto-imune. Ao modo B, a ecogenicidade é um parâmetro de extrema importância, já que, além de apresentar alta correlação com o quadro citopatológico, também apresenta alta sensibilidade para o diagnóstico da tireoidite crônica auto-imune. Embora este parâmetro não seja específico da tireoidite crônica auto-imune, pois também pode estar presente na doença de Graves, na tireoidite pós-parto e na tireoidite subaguda, tais desordens podem ser facilmente diferenciadas tanto pelo quadro clínico-laboratorial quanto pelo dúplex-Doppler colorido. Assim, este artigo tem o objetivo de revisar a importância do estudo da ecogenicidade no diagnóstico da tireoidite crônica auto-imune.

Thyroidectomy for Hashimoto's thyroiditis: complications and associated cancers

BACKGROUND

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is usually treated medically; however, thyroidectomy is sometimes indicated. Thyroiditis can make thyroid dissection more difficult and possibly increase the risk of surgical complications. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of complications and associated cancer in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

METHODS

Retrospective series of 474 patients treated surgically at the University of California, San Francisco, between January 1985 and June 2005 with final pathology demonstrating Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, or chronic thyroiditis. Parameters evaluated included demographics, surgical indications, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Among the 474 patients, 133 had thyroidectomy because of preoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancers (median age 39 years; 116 females and 17 males), 316 had thyroidectomy because of benign thyroid nodules or goiter (median age 47.5 years; 292 females and 24 males), and 25 had thyroidectomy to relieve local symptoms caused by thyroiditis but did not have thyroid nodules (median age 42 years; 25 females). No death or permanent surgical complications occurred. One hundred and fifty-two patients (32.1%) had transient postoperative hypocalcemia, 2 (0.4%) had transient recurrent nerve palsy, and 4 (0.8%) had a postoperative neck hematoma. Fifty-three percent had thyroid cancer at final histological examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroidectomy can be performed in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis with a low risk of permanent surgical complications. Cancer is common in patients who have a thyroidectomy for Hashimoto's thyroiditis even when not suspected preoperatively.

Thyroid cancer, thyroiditis and dietary iodine: a review based on the Salta, Argentina model

Factors that should be considered when studying the effect of dietary iodine in the development of thyroid cancer include pathological criteria, diagnostic techniques, screening programs, radioactive fallout, and standard of medical care in the studied population. In most surveys, papillary carcinoma forms the largest group of thyroid malignancies, both before and after iodine prophylaxis where an increase in the papillary:follicular carcinoma ratio is also noted. Undifferentiated carcinomas decrease after salt prophylaxis. In Salta, Argentina, the increasing incidence of clinically significant papillary thyroid cancer and the decrease of undifferentiated carcinoma after iodine prophylaxis are probably due to better access to health centers and consequent earlier detection of differentiated precursor tumors. Autoimmune focal and diffuse or Hashimoto's thyroiditis are linked to dietary iodine. Pathological studies made in different regions indicate that these types of thyroiditis occur more frequently in areas of iodine sufficiency than in areas of iodine deficiency, and increase after iodine prophylaxis both in non-goitrous and iodine-deficient areas like Salta, Argentina. An increase of lymphocytic thyroiditis could be linked to an increased incidence of primary thyroid lymphoma, and thyroiditis is more commonly associated with papillary carcinoma than with other types of thyroid follicular or C-cell derived carcinomas regardless of iodine intake.

High prevalence of RET, RAS, and ERK expression in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and in papillary thyroid carcinoma in the Korean population

BACKGROUND

The RET/PTC-RAS-BRAF cascade is associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between PTC and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is still elusive. To determine whether thyrocytes showing oxyphil cell metaplasia in HT also express RET, RAS, and ERK proteins, which are associated with PTC.

DESIGN

We investigated the expression of RET, RAS, and ERK proteins in oxyphil cells in the vicinity of large lymphoid HT infiltrates and in malignant PTC cells. BRAF and N-RAS missense mutations were also examined in oxyphil cells of the HT. We used 47 PTC samples with no HT diagnosis, 28 PTC with HT, 39 HT with no PTC, and 36 HT with PTC. We also studied 75 normal portions of thyroid tissue from PTC specimens. Immunohistochemical analysis and polymerase chain reaction were used to determine activation of the RET/PTC-RAS-BRAF cascade in HT and PTC.

MAIN OUTCOME

In PTC cells, HT oxyphil cells, and normal thyrocytes, the frequency of high RET expression was 23/70 (32.9%), 36/57 (63.2%), and 1/57 (1.8%) (p = 0.000); that of high nuclear localized RAS expression (nuclearRAS) was 65/71 (91.5%), 52/58 (89.7%), and 5/58 (8.6%) (p = 0.000); and that of high ERK expression was 38/70 (54.3%), 34/61 (55.7%), and 0/61 (0.0%) (p = 0.000), respectively. Of 66 HT cases studied for BRAF mutation and 57 HT cases studied for N-RAS mutation, no BRAF exon 15 or N-RAS exon 2 mutations were found in the amplified DNA extracted from oxyphil cells excised by laser capture microdissection.

CONCLUSION

The expression of RET, nuclearRAS, and ERK proteins is greatly enhanced in PTC cells and HT oxyphil cells. Thus, the RET/PTC-RAS-BRAF cascade may be involved in the development of PTC and oxyphil cell metaplasia in HT. Our results show the possibility of a molecular link between oxyphil cell metaplasia in HT and the progression of PTC.

Role of chemokines in endocrine autoimmune diseases

Chemokines are a group of peptides of low molecular weight that induce the chemotaxis of different leukocyte subtypes. The major function of chemokines is the recruitment of leukocytes to inflammation sites, but they also play a role in tumoral growth, angiogenesis, and organ sclerosis. In the last few years, experimental evidence accumulated supporting the concept that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) inducible chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11) and their receptor, CXCR3, play an important role in the initial stage of autoimmune disorders involving endocrine glands. The fact that, after IFN-gamma stimulation, endocrine epithelial cells secrete CXCL10, which in turn recruits type 1 T helper lymphocytes expressing CXCR3 and secreting IFN-gamma, thus perpetuating autoimmune inflammation, strongly supports the concept that chemokines play an important role in endocrine autoimmunity. This article reviews the recent literature including basic science, animal models, and clinical studies, regarding the role of these chemokines in autoimmune endocrine diseases. The potential clinical applications of assaying the serum levels of CXCL10 and the value of such measurements are reviewed. Clinical studies addressing the issue of a role for serum CXCL10 measurement in Graves' disease, Graves' ophthalmopathy, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and Addison's disease have been considered. The principal aim was to propose that chemokines, and in particular CXCL10, should no longer be considered as belonging exclusively to basic science, but rather should be used for providing new insights in the clinical management of patients with endocrine autoimmune diseases.

Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in a cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis characterized by multifocal follicular lymphoid cell infiltrates with germinal centers, thyroid acinar atrophy and pituitary cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy of the adenohypophysis was detected in a vehicle control, 4-year-old female Cynomolgus macaque in a routine toxicology study. Lymphoid cells of germinal centers were positive for the B-cell marker CD20 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), while remaining lymphocytes were positive for the T-cell marker CD3. Hypertrophied/hyperplastic pituitary cells were positive for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) by IHC, consistent with an adaptive response due to removal of hormonal negative feedback from the diseased thyroid gland. Features of this case are similar to chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in humans, an autoimmune disorder also known as Hashimoto's disease. Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis with compensatory pituitary changes may occur spontaneously in young, clinically normal cynomolgus macaques and its presence in drug treated animals should be interpreted with caution.

Radioactive iodine therapy for goitrous Hashimoto's thyroiditis

CONTEXT

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that can produce marked clinical symptoms when patients have large diffuse goiters.

DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study was designed to evaluate whether radioactive iodine (RAI) is effective for Hashimoto's thyroiditis with a large goiter. Starting in November 1999, 13 Hashimoto's patients with large goiters, whose thyroiditis was refractory to TSH suppression therapy with thyroid hormone administration [two men and 11 women with a mean age of 61.2 +/- 8.9 yr (50-79 yr)], were recruited for the present study. The duration of symptomatic goiter before undergoing RAI was 12.0 +/- 7.9 yr (4-33 yr). Thirteen millicuries of 131I was administered two to six times, at an interval of 1-6 months on an outpatient basis. Thyroid weight was measured ultrasonographically, or by computed tomography if ultrasound was not possible due to the large size of the goiter.

RESULTS

RAI was administered an average of 4.7 +/- 1.4 times (two to six times), with a total dose of 59.8 +/- 17.3 mCi (25.0-78.0 mCi). The observation period was 47.9 +/- 13.4 months (26-66 months) after the first RAI. The average weight of the thyroid gland was 125.3 +/- 57.7 g (42.9-269.4 g) before the first RAI, decreasing significantly to 49.7 +/- 25.8 g (18.3-93.3 g) after the last RAI (P < 0.001, paired Student's t test). The percent reduction from baseline was 58.7 +/- 14.2% (35.7-84.0%). None of the patients showed an increase in goiter size or complained of a pressure sensation after any of the RAI treatments.

CONCLUSION

RAI is effective in Hashimoto's thyroiditis with a large goiter.

A population study of the association between thyroid autoantibodies in serum and abnormalities in thyroid function and structure

OBJECTIVE

Patients with autoimmune overt hypothyroidism may present with goitrous Hashimoto's disease or autoimmune atrophic thyroiditis. Little is known about the prevalence of subclinical autoimmune hypothyroidism. The aims of this study were to evaluate the association between thyroid autoantibodies in serum and abnormalities in thyroid function and structure, and to study the thyroid volume in subjects with subclinical autoimmune hypothyroidism.

DESIGN

A population study including 4649 randomly selected subjects.

MEASUREMENTS

Blood tests were used to analyse for thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin autoantibodies (Tg-Ab), TSH, fT3 and fT4.

RESULTS

Thyroid volume was categorized as small (< 6.6 ml) in 4.7%, normal (6.6-14.9 ml) in 60.4% and large (> 14.9 ml) in 34.9% of participants. Thyroid nodules were found in 29.7%. Serum TSH was low (< 0.4 mIU/l) in 4.7%, normal (0.4-3.6) in 91.0% and high (> 3.6) in 4.3%. The prevalence rate of subclinical goitrous Hashimoto's disease was 0.62% and of subclinical autoimmune atrophic thyroiditis 0.24%. There was a strong association between large volume and autoantibodies, but only in subjects with elevated TSH (P < 0.001). An association between thyroid nodules and TPO-Ab in univariate analyses (P < 0.001) was due to confounding by sex and age (multivariate model, P = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

We identified a subgroup of the population with subclinical goitrous Hashimoto's disease and a smaller subgroup with subclinical autoimmune atrophic thyroiditis. This relationship between small and large thyroid volume in subclinical disease is opposite to that in overt disease, which may suggest that the period between development of a small volume with circulating autoantibodies and overt hypothyroidism is relatively short.

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Type 2: the tip of an iceberg?

Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) are conditions characterized by the association of two or more organ-specific disorders. Type 2 APS is defined by the occurrence of Addison's disease with thyroid autoimmune disease and/or Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Clinically overt disorders are considered only the tip of the autoimmune iceberg, since latent forms are much more frequent. Historical, clinical, genetic, and immunological aspects of Type 2 APS are reviewed. Furthermore, data on 146 personal cases of Type 2 APS are also reported.