Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
10:19
Substernal Thyroid Biopsy Using Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Published on: November 10, 2014
Primary tuberculosis of the thyroid gland: a case report
Sant Parkash Kataria1, Parul Tanwar, Sneh Singh
1Department of Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana- 124001, India.
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine
|April 10, 2013
Summary
Tuberculosis of the thyroid is rare, even in endemic areas, making diagnosis challenging due to non-specific symptoms. Histological findings like granulomas are key, though acid-fast bacilli staining is often negative.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) rarely affects the thyroid gland, with primary thyroidal TB being exceptionally uncommon.
- Even in tuberculosis-endemic regions, thyroid involvement is infrequent, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- Clinical presentation of thyroid TB lacks distinct characteristics, often mimicking other thyroid conditions like toxic goiter or thyroiditis.
- The disease can present insidiously with subacute or chronic growth patterns, lacking specific symptomatology.
Findings:
- Histological hallmarks include necrotizing epithelioid cell granulomas and Langhans giant cells, characteristic of tuberculosis.
- Acid-fast bacilli staining (ZN stain) can confirm the diagnosis but frequently yields negative results in tissue sections.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of thyroid tuberculosis is crucial for effective treatment, despite diagnostic difficulties.
- Increased awareness among clinicians is necessary for recognizing this rare condition, especially in endemic areas.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...