Diagnosing amyloid goitre with thyroid aspiration biopsy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Amyloid goitre is a manifestation of secondary systemic amyloidosis.
• Thyroid involvement in amyloidosis can affect tissue structure and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for amyloid goitre.
• To evaluate the impact of amyloidosis on thyroid tissue and function.

Main Methods:

• Clinical and laboratory evaluation of 50 patients with secondary systemic amyloidosis.
• Thyroid aspiration biopsy performed on 38 patients with goitre.
• Histopathological staining including Congo red, crystal violet, and routine stains.

Main Results:

• FNAB detected amyloidosis in 92% of patients with amyloid goitre.
• Thyroid dysfunction was observed in a minority of patients (euthyroid sick syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism).
• Microscopic analysis revealed significant replacement of thyroid parenchyma by amyloid and adipose tissue.

Conclusions:

• Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe, sensitive, and valuable method for diagnosing amyloid goitre.
• Amyloid goitre has a limited impact on overall thyroid function, even with extensive parenchymal replacement.