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Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland: two case reports
Arjun Baidya1, Arijit Singha1, Rana Bhattacharjee1
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism , Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research/SSKM Hospital , Kolkata, West Bengal , India.
Oxford Medical Case Reports
|December 4, 2015
Summary
Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland is rare, even in endemic areas. Early diagnosis using cytology and histology is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is endemic in India, but thyroid gland TB is exceptionally rare.
- Clinical presentations can mimic other thyroid conditions, including thyroiditis and nodules.
- Diagnosis relies on characteristic cytological and histopathological findings.
Observation:
- Two cases of thyroid TB are presented.
- Case 1: Subclinical thyrotoxicosis mimicking acute bacterial thyroiditis.
- Case 2: Solitary thyroid nodule with normal thyroid function; no other organ involvement.
Findings:
- Fine-needle aspiration cytology and histopathology confirmed caseous necrosis and epithelioid granulomas.
- Both patients presented without evidence of disseminated TB.
- Thyroid dysfunction was present in one case (subclinical thyrotoxicosis).
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering thyroid TB in endemic regions, despite its rarity.
- Accurate diagnosis through cytopathology and histopathology can prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.
- Distinguishing thyroid TB from common thyroid pathologies is essential for appropriate patient management.
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