Sarcoidosis causing goiter; a case report with literature review

Abstract

Introduction Sarcoidosis involving the thyroid gland is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by non-necrotizing and non-caseating granuloma. This study represents a case of thyroid sarcoidosis in an elderly female.Case report A 62-year-old female presented with anterior neck swelling associated with difficulties in breathing and swallowing for six months. Physical examination revealed an enlarged, firm, and non-tender thyroid gland. Thyroid function tests were normal, with a high level of angiotensin-converting enzyme. A neck ultrasound revealed nodules in both thyroid lobes and bilateral cervical lymphadenopathies. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy and lymph node excision. Histopathological examination of the specimen showed features suggestive of thyroid sarcoidosis.Conclusion Sarcoidosis involving the thyroid gland is a rare finding, and its diagnosis necessitates the exclusion of other potential explanations for similar symptoms. Surgery becomes necessary when there are compression symptoms or a risk of malignancy.

Keywords

• Noncaseating granulomas
• sarcoidosis
• thyroid disorder
• chronic diseases