De Quervain's subacute granulomatous thyroiditis: histological identification and incidence
AUTOR(ES)
Meachim, G.
RESUMO
The histological features of de Quervain's subacute granulomatous thyroiditis are described, on the basis of a study of six specimens. This condition, unlike Hashimoto's disease, rarely causes permanent hypothyroidism; its histological identification is thus of practical importance. Areas of thyroid affected by the disease show intrafollicular cellular infiltration, with partial or complete loss of colloid from infiltrated follicles, partial or complete disruption of their lining epithelium, and abnormalities of the basement membrane. These changes tend eventually to lead to replacement of the damaged follicle by a granuloma-like structure devoid of colloid content and without a recognizable epithelial lining. The disease also causes interfollicular fibrosis and an interstitial inflammatory cell reaction. The histological pattern is typically multiform. Formative follicle lesions present a striking appearance, aiding recognition of the disease. Some follicles contain numerous giant cells, often grouped around a central pool of residual colloid; others may contain a considerable proportion of neutrophil polymorphs or show radially aligned spindle-shaped cells.
