[Thyroid involvement of sarcoidosis].

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Endocrinology
• Pathology

Background:

• Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by granuloma formation in various organs.
• Lung and lymph node involvement are common, but extrathoracic manifestations are less frequent.
• Thyroid sarcoidosis is a rare condition, often presenting as a thyroid mass or swelling.

Observation:

• A 54-year-old woman presented with abnormal lung shadows on chest radiography.
• Imaging revealed multiple bilateral lung nodules, hilar lymphadenopathy, and an enlarged thyroid.
• Initial suspicion was metastatic malignancy involving the thyroid and lungs.

Findings:

• Histological examination of lung and thyroid biopsies showed non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas.
• The findings were consistent with sarcoidosis.
• This confirmed sarcoidosis as the cause of both lung nodules and thyroid enlargement.

Implications:

• Thyroid sarcoidosis, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of thyroid swelling.
• This case underscores the importance of considering sarcoidosis in patients with unexplained lung nodules and thyroid abnormalities.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to avoid misdiagnosis as malignancy.