Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnostic indicators

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis, which can present in various phases regarding thyroid function, manifesting as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or normal thyroid function. Therefore, for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is necessary to check thyroid function to understand its status. Since Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis, the thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies are generally elevated. Additionally, it is necessary to perform thyroid ultrasound to assess the thyroid's condition. For some difficult-to-distinguish patients, a further examination such as a 131I uptake test can be conducted, where the uptake rate in Hashimoto's thyroiditis is reduced. Even further, a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid can be performed, where we can observe significant lymphocyte infiltration.

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Written by Chen Li Ping
Endocrinology
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Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis hurt?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. The typical manifestation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is chronic diffuse goiter, but the patient is asymptomatic. The patient's thyroid will show diffuse, painless mild to moderate enlargement, firm texture, slight tenderness upon pressure, local compression in the neck, and generally not very pronounced systemic symptoms, often with discomfort in the throat. Thyroid pain or tenderness in Hashimoto's thyroiditis is still quite rare; if pain is present, differentiation from subacute thyroiditis is necessary.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be cured?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where the body itself has autoantibodies that lead to the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, resulting in the failure of thyroid cells. Therefore, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can manifest as hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Ultimately, Hashimoto's thyroiditis may develop into hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is proliferative and generally cannot be completely cured, but clinical remission can be achieved through oral administration of levothyroxine. However, Hashimoto's thyroiditis cannot be completely cured and requires lifelong replacement therapy.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnostic indicators

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis, which can present in various phases regarding thyroid function, manifesting as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or normal thyroid function. Therefore, for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is necessary to check thyroid function to understand its status. Since Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis, the thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies are generally elevated. Additionally, it is necessary to perform thyroid ultrasound to assess the thyroid's condition. For some difficult-to-distinguish patients, a further examination such as a 131I uptake test can be conducted, where the uptake rate in Hashimoto's thyroiditis is reduced. Even further, a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid can be performed, where we can observe significant lymphocyte infiltration.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
47sec home-news-image

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease. Some patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis have normal thyroid function and generally do not require treatment, but it is recommended to regularly review thyroid function and have thyroid ultrasonography. Some patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may also suffer from hypothyroidism, which can manifest clinically as fatigue, constipation, and edema. If these symptoms are present, it is advisable to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly, complete thyroid function tests, and use thyroid hormone supplements under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
51sec home-news-image

Is Hashimoto's thyroiditis hereditary?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease and is not hereditary. However, it tends to cluster in families, meaning if one's parents have a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, their offspring have a relatively higher risk of developing the disease. However, this is not absolute heredity; it simply indicates a familial clustering tendency. Treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis is relatively effective. If hypothyroidism occurs, one only needs to take lifelong replacement therapy with levothyroxine to maintain thyroid function within the normal range, which has minimal impact on the body. Therefore, there is no need for excessive worry.