Primary Thyroid Tuberculosis Masquerading as a Follicular Neoplasm With Tracheal Compression: A Case Report.
Thyroid tuberculosis (TB) is a rare form of extrapulmonary infection that can mimic thyroid neoplasms. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific imaging and cytology. We report a case of a 77-year-old female with a history of subtotal gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Surveillance CT revealed right-lobe-predominant thyroid enlargement causing tracheal compression. Ultrasound showed a multinodular goitre with a 4.1-cm solid nodule (Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) 3) and a 1.7-cm hypoechoic nodule (TI-RADS 4). Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the smaller nodule suggested a follicular neoplasm. The right thyroid lobectomy was performed. Histology revealed a follicular adenoma with epithelioid granulomas, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) complex DNA. The patient completed standard anti-tuberculosis therapy and remained asymptomatic at eight months of follow-up. TB should be considered in patients with nodular thyroid disease, particularly when granulomatous inflammation or compressive symptoms are present. Molecular testing facilitates accurate diagnosis, guides therapy, and helps avoid unnecessary surgery.
Authors
Varanda Varanda, Martins Martins, Pais Moreira Pais Moreira, Póvoa Póvoa, Pereira Pereira
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