The Diagnosis of Hashimoto Thyroiditis: A Report of 45 Cases / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestation and diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT). Methods 45 HT patients diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were enrolled in this study. Their medical history, clinical parameters, data of laboratory examination, colour doppler ultrasonic image and FNAC were analyzed. Results This disease was more common in women than in men, and most of cases occurred during 35～50 years old. Almost all cases had the symptoms of thyromegaly and laryngopharynx malaise. The patients had normal thyroid function, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The levels of both antithyroid globulin antibody and antithyroid microsome antibody increased in 39 cases. The ultrasonic imaging features of thyroid were such as following diffusive nonhomogenous hypoecho pattern in 19 cases, numerous hypoecho micronodes in 15 cases, hyperecho micronodes in 3 cases, and hyperecho bandlike echo pattern with swelling of neck lymph nodes in 8 cases. Conclusion Diagnosis of HD should put emphasis on a complete medical history, physical examination and necessary laboratory tests. Antithyroid auto-antibody assay and thyroid ultrasonic examination were very important for diagnosis of HD, and FNAC may be indispensable in suspected cases.