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IPLab:Lab 6:Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Revision as of 23:19, 8 July 2020 by Peter Anderson (talk | contribs) (Clinical Summary)

Contents

Clinical SummaryEdit

This was a 49-year-old woman who complained of tiredness and difficulty concentrating. She had gained weight over the last year and despite warm weather, she felt chilled without a sweater. Family history was significant for hypothyroidism in her mother and older sister.

On physical examination she had an enlarged thyroid gland with a firm, bosselated texture. Serum TSH was markedly elevated and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were positive. These results supported the clinical impression of hypothyroidism; also, the texture of her thyroid gland and a positive family history suggested an autoimmune etiological factor. She was referred to an endocrinologist; however, before beginning treatment she died suddenly from a ruptured berry aneurysm.

Autopsy FindingsEdit

At autopsy, significant subarachnoid hemorrhage from the ruptured berry aneurysm was documented. In addition, the thyroid gland was mildly enlarged and firm. On cut section the tissue was slightly pale.

ImagesEdit

Virtual MicroscopyEdit

Study QuestionsEdit


Additional ResourcesEdit

Related IPLab CasesEdit

Bosselated means covered with rounded protuberances.

Autoimmune disorders involve an immune response directed at the host's own cells.

A berry aneurysm is a small saccular arterial aneurysm usually found at a vessel junction in the circle of Willis. These aneurysms frequently rupture, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage.