General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602
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The key feature here
will be the lymphoid aggregates with germinal center formation within the
thyroid tissue itself. In the picture to the left, you can obviously
see the clusters of lymphocytes as well as areas fibrosis giving a lobulated
look to the thyroid in general. See this slide with the virtual microscope. |
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This is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Note the chronic inflammatory infiltrate and especially the active lymphoid germinal centers within the gland itself. There is marked destruction of the gland. In areas of attempted regeneration you will see enthusiastic and stimulated follicular cells we call Hurthle cells. These are large, brightly pink stained cells that may or may not be seen to in direct association with a follicle. KNOW THE ANTIBODIES that we use for diagnosis in this case. Check Bakerman for the important levels of anti-colloid and anti-microsomal antibodies. When this disease has run its course, what level of thyroid function do think will remain? |