Cervical lymphadenopathy associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: an analysis of 22 cases by fine needle aspiration cytology.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the possible association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and cervical lymphadenopathy in cases diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. STUDY DESIGN Among the patients referred to our laboratory for ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules (USG-FNAC), cases of HT associated with cervical lymphadenopathy were evaluated. RESULTS Between February 2001 and May 2007, HT was diagnosed in 94 (11%) of a total of 856 thyroid USG-FNAC cases. Among these cases, 22 (23%) were associated with single/ multiple cervical lymphadenopathy. In all cases, FNAC of the lymph nodes was consistent with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibody results were obtained in 14 of 22 cases with HT. Among these cases, 12 showed positive values. CONCLUSION Clinicians and cytopathologists who encounter thyroid nodules with cervical lymphadenopathy should also include the possibility of HT in the differential diagnosis. A literature search disclosed no report regarding the possible association between HT and cervical lymphadenopathy. Considering the limitations due to lack of immunocytochemical analysis of the thyroid and lymph node aspirates, our study should be taken as a preliminary one.