Abstract
Introduction. Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as a hematopoietic neoplasm, is
a clonal proliferation of Langerhans dendritic cells. Case study: A
43-year-old female patient first presented for an endocrinology consultation
due to front neck pain and swelling accompanied by fatigue and malaise.
Results.Physical examination revealed enlarged thyroid gland lobe of
extremely firm consistency that was painfully tender on palpation.
Echosonographic findings confirmed that the right thyroid gland lobe was
enlarged and was not clearly demarcated from the surrounding tissue, while
exhibiting pronounced parenchyma inhomogeneity characterized by reduced
echogenicity of the anterior aspect and pronounced hypoechoicity of the
posterior aspect, permeated with fibrous bands and calcifications. The
structure of the left thyroid lobe was pseudonodose, with the
characteristics of a chronic inflammatory process. Biohumoral findings
indicated chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and primary hypothyroidism. Medical
history, clinical findings, and personal and family predisposition to
malignancy confirmed the need for accelerated additional diagnosis.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was indicative of atypia of
undetermined significance (AUS) involving Hurthle cells, nuclear overlaps,
anisocytosis, anisonucleosis, and presence of nuclear incisions. Analyses
performed after thyroidectomy pointed to the fibrous form of chronic
thyroiditis, with suspected monoclonal proliferation of histiocytic and/or
lymphoid cells. Immunohistochemical findings confirmed Hashimoto?s
thyroiditis and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. As the postoperative course
was favorable, the patient was prescribed L-thyroxine replacement therapy,
along with continuous and systematic monitoring for
histiocytosis.Conclusion.A comprehensive clinical examination is sometimes
crucial for detecting rare adult diseases, such as Langerhans cell
histiocytosis (LCH) with concomitant autoimmune thyroid disease, where
timely LCH diagnosis largely determines the outcome. Histiocytosis should be
suspected more often given the high incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease
in adulthood.
Publisher
National Library of Serbia