# THYROIDITIS Chronic lymphocytic (autoimmune) thyro

THYROIDITIS Chronic lymphocytic (autoimmune) thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease)

This common condition is usually associated with raised titres of  thyroid antibodies. It commonly presents as a goitre, which may be di ff use or nodular with a characteristic ‘bosselated’ feel or with established or subclinical thyroid failure. The diagno - sis often follows investigation of  a discrete swelling. Features of  chronic lymphocytic (focal) thyroiditis are commonly with other present on histological examination in association thyroid disease, notably toxic goitre ( Figure 55.28 ). Primary myxoedema without detectable thyroid enlargement represents the end stage of  the pathological process. 

Figure 55.28
Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease; struma
lymphomatosa). Intense lymphocytic–plasma cell in
/f_i
ltration, acinar
destruction and
/f_i
brosis.