Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Correlation of Cytolomorphology with Clinical, Biochemical&Radiological Findings

Introduction Hashimotos thyroiditis one of the most common causes of goiter& hypothyroidism, basically, is an autoimmune disorder, the hallmark being lymphocytic infiltration of thyroid follicles resulting in an autoimmune glandular destruction. This is seen more commonly in middle aged& young females. Clinically, it presents as a diffuse or nodular swelling being usually asymptomatic along with symptoms of hypothyroidism. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, cost effective procedure& plays a significant role in diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Aims& Objective of study To grade Hashimotos thyroiditis on cytology and study its significance in predicting thyroid injury. Materials& methods 50 patients were retrospectively studied over a period of 6 months and clinical, biochemical, radiological data were evaluated and grading was done based on Bhatias Grading system. Results Of 50 patients, 47 were female.29 of 50 patients had grade I lymphocytic thyroiditis. Many patients with grade I& II were asymptomatic (37/50, 74 %) and presented with diffuse goiter (43/50, 86 %). Most of the patients presented with diffuse enlargement of thyroid gland. Majority of patients with hypoechoic nodules on USG showed grade II lymphocytic thyroiditis on cytological examination. Conclusion Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is present in an unexpectedly large no. of individuals. It is important to diagnose HT as patients subsequently become hypothyroid& require lifelong thyroxine supplementation. Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is the second most common thyroid lesion next to goiter& one of the most common cause of hypothyroidism. A combined approach of cytological grading of Hashimotos Thyroiditis along with ultrasonography and biochemical levels can detect subclinical hypothyroid state& provide a guide to therapy.