Diagnostic Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Thyroiditis along with Thyroid Hormone Assay

Background: Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in those areas of the world where iodine levels are sufficient. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a synonym of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, is the second most common thyroid lesion diagnosed on FNAC after goiter. FNAC plays a significant role in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions due to its simplicity and low cost. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is highly sensitive in diagnosing HT, with a diagnostic accuracy rate of 92%. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To correlate FNAC cytologic findings with TFT in different types of thyroiditis. Method: All the patients with thyroid swellings were referred to department of pathology for FNAC as well as thyroid hormone assay. FNAC was performed using nonaspiration or aspiration techniques by 23 G needle with 10 mL syringe. Air-dried smears were stained with Giemsa stain and wet ethanol fixed smears were stained with, PAP hematoxylin and eosin. Cytomorphologic features were reviewed and graded. The level of T4,T3 & T.S.H. is correlated with cytomorphological findings of different types & grades of thyroiditis in our study. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is highly sensitive & specific technique in diagnosing HT and other types of thyroiditis. A correct cytological diagnosis was achieved in the majority of cases in this study, thus obviating the need for a surgical intervention & provided life long hormonal therapy in justified cases. *Corresponding author: Dr. Kishori Moni Panda, Department of Pathology, Govt. Medical College (LSLAMMC), Raigarh, Chattisgarh, India Phone: +91 08763874020, 08225934525 E-mail: [email protected] Original Article Prahlad Chandra Agrawal, Reena Naik, Kishori Moni Panda*