From the Research
Significance of Elevated Antithyroglobulin (ATG) Antibodies
- Elevated ATG antibodies have been associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer in patients with thyroid nodules 1.
- A study found that patients with malignant nodules had a higher rate of positive ATG antibodies (30.8% vs. 19.6%; p < 0.001) compared to those with benign nodules 1.
- Another study suggested that elevated ATG antibodies are associated with symptom burden in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, including fragile hair, face edema, edema of the eyes, and harsh voice 2.
Relationship between ATG and TPO Antibodies
- A study found that the positivity rates of ATG and TPO antibodies were significantly higher in areas with iodine fortification compared to areas with iodine adequacy 3.
- The same study found that positivity for both ATG and TPO antibodies was associated with an increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in areas with different median water iodine levels 3.
- Another study found that patients with positive ATG and TPO antibodies had a greater risk of malignancy in those with benign fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) results 4.
Clinical Implications
- Elevated ATG antibodies may be an independent predictor of thyroid malignancy in patients with thyroid nodules, regardless of the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis 1.
- The presence of ATG antibodies may be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, particularly in patients with benign FNAC results 4.
- Routine assessment of ATG and TPO antibodies may be recommended as part of the evaluation of thyroid nodules, particularly in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism 4.