Table of Contents
Definition / general | Terminology | Clinical features | Case reports | Treatment | Gross description | Microscopic (histologic) description | Microscopic (histologic) images | Differential diagnosisCite this page: Islam S. Palpation thyroiditis. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/thyroidpalpation.html. Accessed November 27th, 2024.
Definition / general
- Common (85%+ of surgically resected thyroids) but clinically insignificant
Terminology
- Also called multifocal granulomatous thyroiditis
Clinical features
- More often associated with goiter than autoimmune thyroiditis (J Korean Med Sci 1988;3:27)
- May be due to minor trauma, such as vigorous physical examinations (Am J Clin Pathol 1975;64:639)
Case reports
- 70 year old man with case causing new onset atrial fibrillation (Thyroid 2008;18:571)
Treatment
- Self limited, no treatment necessary
Gross description
- Normal, or small foci of hemorrhage
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Multiple small granulomas centered in disrupted follicles, composed of lymphocytes (usually T cells), macrophages (some foamy), occasional multinucleated giant cells associated with colloid breakdown, usually no necrosis, no neutrophils
Microscopic (histologic) images
Differential diagnosis
- Fungi: PAS+ / GMS+, necrosis usually present
- Sarcoidosis: interstitial granulomas, systemic disease
- Subacute thyroiditis: acute inflammatory cells