Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Management of Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis

Abstract

Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is relatively uncommon. We report 11 such cases from a population residing in a goiter endemic zone of Northern India. The important contribution of fine needle aspiration cytology in confirming the diagnosis and management is emphasized.

Unusual cytomorphology of acute suppurative thyroiditis

“…[ 6 ] Ultrasonography and FNAC are the only methods to confirm the diagnosis. [ 2 3 ] Other pre-existing thyroid diseases like nodular goiter infections from the upper respiratory tract, pharynx, middle ear or some distal organs may result in AST. [ 1 4 7 ]…”

“…[ 1 ] Ultrasonography of the thyroid with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) may help in the early diagnosis. [ 2 3 4 ] The smears from the thyroid aspirates are predominated by sheets of polymorphonuclear cells. [ 2 3 4 5 ] Changes in the follicular epithelial cells have not been emphasized in the literature.…”

“…[ 2 3 4 ] The smears from the thyroid aspirates are predominated by sheets of polymorphonuclear cells. [ 2 3 4 5 ] Changes in the follicular epithelial cells have not been emphasized in the literature. In present article, a case of AST is presented where, other than inflammatory cells, the follicular epithelial cells also showed prominent nuclear changes, simulating a malignant lesion.…”