Cytomorphological study of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis: A correlation between cytological grade with lymphoid: Epithelial ratio, thyroid status and anti-thyroid antibodies

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis /Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder whose diagnosis is based on cytology and raised levels of anti-thyroid antibodies. The aim of the present study was to analyse its varied cytological spectrum along with grading and correlation with lymphoid: epithelial (L:E) ratio and serological parameters. Hundred patients diagnosed as HT on cytology were included in the study. Triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) and antithyroid antibody levels were estimated. There was a female preponderance comprising 92% cases with majority cases presenting in the third decade. There were 63% cases with grade 2, 24% with grade 1 and 13% with grade 3 thyroiditis. Antithyroperoxidase levels were raised in 87% cases and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were positive in 78% cases. A statistically significant correlation was found between grading and L:E ratio but not with serological parameters. The present study highlights the cytological spectrum seen in HT which is useful for its diagnosis for prompt patient management.