From the Guidelines
For a grand rounds presentation on suspected TB thyroiditis, I recommend the title "Tuberculous Thyroiditis: A Diagnostic Challenge in Modern Endocrinology" with three objectives:
- To review the clinical presentation and diagnostic approach to tuberculous thyroiditis,
- To discuss the radiological and laboratory findings that differentiate TB thyroiditis from other thyroid disorders,
- To outline evidence-based management strategies including appropriate anti-tuberculous therapy regimens. This title effectively captures the clinical focus while highlighting the diagnostic complexity of this rare condition. The objectives provide a comprehensive framework covering diagnosis, differential considerations, and treatment. For the treatment objective, you should be prepared to discuss specific anti-TB regimens including isoniazid 300mg daily, rifampin 600mg daily, ethambutol 15mg/kg daily, and pyrazinamide 25mg/kg daily for the initial 2-month intensive phase, followed by isoniazid and rifampin for an additional 4-7 months, as suggested by guidelines from reputable sources such as the American Thoracic Society/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. The presentation should also address the importance of thyroid function monitoring during treatment, as TB thyroiditis can progress through phases of thyrotoxicosis, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Including these specific medication details and monitoring recommendations will provide practical guidance for clinicians encountering this uncommon but important condition.
From the Research
Title
Tuberculous Thyroiditis: A Rare but Important Consideration in Thyroid Nodules
Objectives
- To discuss the clinical presentation and diagnosis of tuberculous thyroiditis, a rare condition that can mimic other thyroid pathologies 2, 3, 4
- To review the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of tuberculous thyroiditis, including its efficacy and limitations 2, 3, 4, 5
- To highlight the importance of considering tuberculous thyroiditis in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules, particularly in patients with risk factors for tuberculosis or atypical clinical presentations 2, 3, 4