[Lymphocytic infiltrations in normal and pathological thyroid glands (so-called focal lymphocytic thyroiditis)...

A series of 1004 goitres removed surgically before (1959) and after (1970, 1975) the introduction of the iodine prophylaxis reveals an impressive increase in lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid gland parenchyma. So-called focal lymphocytic thyroiditis is closely associated with the functional state of the organ. Furthermore, there is an increase in focal thyroiditis, especially in younger persons, after the introduction of iodine prophylaxis. Autoantibodies or clinical signs of inflammation were not found in these cases. Focal lymphocytic thyroiditis is seen as the expression of a regulatory function of the immunological system over the thyroid gland.