Thyroid tuberculosis: diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to report clinical characteristics and treatment of thyroid tuberculosis (TT). METHODS: During 16 years, 2,426 patients have been operated on the thyroid in the surgical department 'A' in Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. Anatomopathological results of the removed thyroid were analyzed for evidence of tuberculosis. RESULTS: Eight cases of TT were diagnosed. Five patients had a goiter and 3 patients had an isolated nodule of the thyroid. In one case, fine-needle aspiration cytology gave the diagnosis of TT. This patient had a complete drainage of the abscess. In all other patients, the diagnosis was given after surgery. All patients received additional antituberculous drugs for 6 months, and follow-up was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: TT does not have any consistent symptoms. Fine-needle aspiration is the best method for diagnosis and can result in the avoidance of surgery.

[Recurred hydatid cyst of the thyroid: a case report]. / Kyste hydatique récidivant de la thyroïde: à propos d'un cas.

A 21-year-old patient underwent surgery in 1987 for hydatid cyst of segment VIII of the liver. Six years later, the patient developed a cold thyroid nodule. During the thyroid operation, needle aspiration and cytology study confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. Resection of the prominent dome was performed. In 1996, the patient developed cervical recurrence. Pericytectomy was attempted and during the procedure a wound of the subclavian artery required sternoclavicular disarticulation. Hydatid cyst of the thyroid gland is rare, but should be considered in patients living in endemic zones who develop an anterior neck tumor. Cystectomy, isthmolobectomy or sub-total thyroidectomy may be indicated. Resection of the prominent dome may be required in the event of recurrence.