Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
07:01
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Coccidioidal infection of the thyroid
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Ariz., USA.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|January 23, 1998
Summary
Coccidioides immitis infection of the thyroid gland, known as coccidioidomycosis, is rarely diagnosed before death. This study presents two new cases, highlighting the challenges in diagnosing this rare fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Endocrinology
- Mycology
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis.
- Thyroid gland involvement in coccidioidomycosis is exceptionally rare, particularly when diagnosed antemortem.
- Previous literature indicates infrequent thyroid involvement in fatal disseminated cases.
Observation:
- Two cases of thyroid coccidioidomycosis are presented.
- One patient was immunosuppressed due to corticosteroid treatment for sarcoidosis.
- The second patient presented with apparent autoimmune thyrotoxicosis, without other signs of disseminated disease.
Findings:
- Thyroid gland involvement was a manifestation of disseminated infection in the first case.
- The second case mimicked autoimmune thyrotoxicosis, complicating diagnosis.
- Only two prior instances of antemortem thyroid coccidioidomycosis have been documented.
Implications:
- This highlights the importance of considering rare fungal infections in thyroid pathology.
- Diagnostic challenges exist, especially when coccidioidomycosis is not clinically suspected.
- Optimal treatment strategies for thyroid coccidioidomycosis remain uncertain.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:27Goiter
Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...