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Thyroid dysfunction in patients with amyloid goitre
H Kimura1, S Yamashita, K Ashizawa
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan.
Clinical Endocrinology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Thyroid function abnormalities are common in patients with amyloid goiter (AG), a thyroid enlargement caused by amyloid deposition. Regular thyroid function assessment is crucial for patients with systemic amyloidosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Amyloid goiter (AG) is characterized by widespread amyloid deposition in the thyroid gland, leading to diffuse enlargement.
- Secondary amyloidosis is a systemic condition that can affect the thyroid gland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thyroid function abnormalities in patients diagnosed with amyloid goiter (AG).
- To determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in individuals with secondary amyloidosis affecting the thyroid.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 patients with secondary amyloidosis.
- Evaluation of thyroid status through routine thyroid function tests and autoantibody measurements.
- Histological confirmation of amyloid deposition via thyroid needle biopsy.
Main Results:
- Thyroid enlargement (amyloid goiter) was present in 63% of patients.
- 90% of patients with confirmed AG exhibited thyroid function abnormalities, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and low T3 syndrome.
- Thyroid autoantibodies were detected in 50% of AG patients; specific cases suggested coexisting Graves' disease and subacute thyroiditis.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with amyloid goiter is unexpectedly high.
- Regular monitoring of thyroid function is recommended for patients with systemic amyloidosis to detect associated abnormalities.