Microfilariae in a Thyroid Mass Case
Author Information
Author(s): Rekhi Bharat, Kane S. V.
Primary Institution: Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India
Hypothesis
Can microfilariae coexist with a follicular lesion in thyroid aspirate smears?
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of FNAC in diagnosing rare cases of filarial infection in the thyroid.
Supporting Evidence
- Filarial infection is a public health problem in tropical regions.
- The patient presented with symptoms that mimicked thyroid cancer.
- FNAC revealed microfilariae alongside a follicular lesion.
- The patient was from an area with high endemicity for both goiter and filariasis.
Takeaway
This study shows that a rare type of worm can be found in the thyroid, which can look like cancer, but it can be diagnosed with a special test.
Methodology
Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed on the thyroid using a 23-gauge needle, with smears stained using Papanicolaou and Giemsa stains.
Limitations
The final histopathological examination could not be performed as the patient died before autopsy.
Participant Demographics
A 55-year-old male from Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website