Amyloid goiter: radiological study in a case presenting hypothyroidism

Horm Metab Res. 1996 Jan;28(1):27-31. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-979125.

Abstract

We report herein a case of amyloid goiter associated with rheumatoid arthritis in which hypothyroidism was observed. A 52-year-old housewife who had suffeed from rheumatoid arthritis for 15 years was referred to our hospital because of general fatigue. On admission, a large goiter was observed. Laboratory data showed primary hypothyroidism. Renal biopsy and gastric mucosa biopsy showed amyloid deposition of AA-type. Thyroid biopsy showed massive amyloid involvement. Although the findings of iodine-123 scintigraphy, technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance image studies were similar to those for goiter associated with chronic thyroiditis, tallium-201 chloride scintigraphy gave a differing result, demonstrating absent uptake at 3 hours in this case. Replacement therapy with levothyroxine relieved the symptoms. This case was unusual in that amyloid goiter presented clinically as hypothyroidism. Absence of tallium-201 chloride uptake at 3 hours may be a diagnostic specificity for amyloid goiter in differentiating its hypothyroidism from that caused by chronic thyroiditis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Goiter / diagnostic imaging*
  • Goiter / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hypothyroidism / metabolism*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m
  • Thallium Radioisotopes
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Thallium Radioisotopes
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m