Hypothyroidism and multinodular goiter due to tubercular thyroiditis: A rare coexistence

the diagnosis of thyroid tuberculosis is often difficult, on account of its rarity even in countries with endemic tuberculosis, and on account of its non-specific clinical, biological and radiological presentation.

A 38-year-old woman presented with swelling in the anterior part of the neck for 7 years. Clinical and radiological examination found multinodular goiter and fine needle aspiration cytology showed colloidal cells with follicular cells. A total thyroidectomy was performed and histological examination of showed epithelioid and giganto-cellular granulomatous with caseous necrosis, confirming the diagnosis of tuberculous thyroiditis.

Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland is a very rare disease, the diagnosis is often made by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), the treatment is mainly medical with antituberculosis drugs, but surgery remains a therapeutic means for some cases.

The diagnosis of thyroid TB should be suspected in the presence of a thyroid swelling or nodule, especially in countries with a high prevalence of TB, to allow for early and appropriate management.