Clinical, biochemical & cytomorphologic study on Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Thyroidology

Background:

• Goiter prevalence remains high in India despite salt iodization programs.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a leading cause of hypothyroidism and goiter in iodine-sufficient regions.
• This study investigates HT in a coastal goiter-endemic zone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic, and cytological features of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• To understand the disease presentation in a specific endemic region of India.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 144 patients with cytologically confirmed HT.
• Evaluation of symptoms, goiter presence, thyroid function, antibody levels, and ultrasound findings.
• Detailed cytological examination in selected cases.

Main Results:

• 90% of patients were female, primarily aged 21-40 years.
• 68% had diffuse goiter, 69% were clinically euthyroid, and 46% were biochemically hypothyroid.
• Elevated antibody levels (92.3%) and characteristic heterogeneous echotexture with increased vascularity on ultrasound were observed.

Conclusions:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis predominantly affects young to middle-aged females in this goiter-endemic area.
• The study highlights the importance of considering HT in differential diagnosis of goiter.
• Screening women of childbearing age for HT in endemic zones is recommended.