The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Case Report

Plasma Cell Granuloma of the Thyroid and Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Authors: J. C. Ferrer-García, MD, P. Costa-Talens, MD, PHD, J. F. Merino-Torres, MD, PHD, M. Prieto-Rodríguez, MD, PHD, J. F. Vera-Sempere, MD, PHD, F. Piñón-Sellés MD, PHD

Abstract

Plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid is a rare tumor-like lesion formed by a localized proliferation of inflammatory cells, supported by a stroma of fibrous tissue. Few cases have been previously reported in the medical literature. We report a new case of a 41-year-old man presenting a goiter with primary hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone, 70 mIU/L; free thyroxine, < 0.01 pmol/L; triiodothyronine, 0.66 nmol/L) and elevation of thyroid antibodies. Several fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the thyroid were fruitless and total thyroidectomy was performed. Histologic and immunohistochemical study demonstrated the polyclonal nature of the cells and yielded a diagnosis of plasma cell granuloma. Histologic findings of Hashimoto thyroiditis were present too.

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