Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a retrospective study in southern Jordan

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in southern Jordan and to study the natural course, mode of presentation, diagnosis and treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is a retrospective review of 50 patients diagnosed to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the period between 1988 and 1998 in the south of Jordan. Routine pre-operative investigations were conducted to diagnose the cases. During the 10 years' study period, a total of 423 thyroid patients were diagnosed and out of them 50 cases [11.8%] were diagnosed as Hashimotio's thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was the commonest cause of hypothyroidism in Southern Jordan. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is the best way to confirm diagnosis and to decrease the number of patients who will undergo surgical intervention