A 66-year-old woman with a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid nodules initially presented for fine needle biopsy (FNB). Patient had no symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Her initial TSH was 5.9 IU/L (ref 0.27–4.20) with FT4 1.2 ng/dL (ref 0.89–1.76) (Fig. ) and thyroperoxidase (TPO Ab) and thyroglobulin (TG Ab) antibodies were 18,290 IU/mL (ref 0–34) and >2,250.0 IU/mL (ref 0.0–0.9) (Fig. ), respectively. Additionally serum thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) level was 88% (ref 0–139) and thyrotropin receptor blocking antibody (TBRAb) (Fig. ) was also in the normal range (<10%, ref <10). Physical examination revealed normal vital signs and patient had no evidence of thyroid orbitopathy. Examination of the thyroid gland confirmed a 2-cm right lower lobe thyroid nodule and a 6-cm left thyroid nodule almost replacing the left lobe. Thyroid ultrasound showed multiple thyroid nodules bilaterally with a dominant hypervascular left thyroid mass 5.9 × 2.7 × 4.4 cm (Fig. ) and a right lower lobe nodule 2.4 × 2.4 × 2.2 cm. Additionally an ultrasound of the neck confirmed bilateral abnormal cervical lymphadenopathy. FNB of the thyroid nodules revealed a population of large lymphocytes with irregular nuclei (Fig. ). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed a translocation t(14;18), fusing the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene at chromosome 14q32 with BCL2 gene at chromosome 18q21.3. Positron emission tomography computerized axial scan (PET-CT) of the chest and abdomen revealed a large retroperitoneal and mesenteric soft tissue mass, measuring 16 × 14 cm in greatest trans-axial dimension. The retroperitoneal mass encased the aorta and inferior vena cava as well as mesenteric vessels and both renal arteries. The mass also displaced the kidneys peripherally (Fig. ). She was diagnosed with stage-IVE diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and underwent six cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy. Patient also received subdiaphragmatic external radiation directed to the retroperitoneal mass. Following chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, PET-CT scan showed resolution of retroperitoneal mass, resolution of fluorodeoxy-glucose (FDG) avid thyroid nodule (Fig. ) as well as no evidence of thyroid nodules on repeat ultrasound. Following chemotherapy her thyroid functions normalized (serum TSH 3.9 IU/L and free T4 1.4 ng/dL). A moderate decrease in thyroid peroxidase Ab (range 8,432 to 11,288 IU/mL) and thyroglobulin Ab (range 1,268 to 1,600 IU/mL) were noted. Additionally TSI 88% and TBRAb <10% (ref <10) (Fig. ) continue to remain in the normal range. She remained euthyroid without any symptoms of hypo or hyperthyroid and her serum TSH and free T4 remained normal for the next 2 years (Fig. ). Additionally she had no evidence of lymphoma recurrence.\nTwo years later, patient reported significant unintentional weight loss and persistent fatigue over the past couple months. Physical examination revealed a heart rate of 120/min, fine tremors of outstretched fingers, and no thyroid orbitopathy. Thyroid was 40 g in size with no palpable nodules and deep tendon reflexes were brisk. Repeat laboratory testing revealed: TSH 0.005 IU/L, FT4 6.73 ng/dL and TSI 535% (Fig. ). Serum TBRAb was also mildly elevated (28%). TPOAb and TGAb levels were 7,976 and 1,088 IU/mL respectively (Fig. ). Additionally, an HLA DQB1*03 was positive. Further evaluation confirmed the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) lymphoma was in remission. A thyroid uptake and scan showed diffuse uptake with no photopenic areas and the I131 uptake was elevated (4 h: 61.0%, reference 5–15%, at 24 h 70.3%, reference 10–30%).\nSince patient received CAT scan with iodine load she was treated with methimazole for 3 months and following this, the patient was treated with 19.4 millicuries of radioactive iodine for thyroid ablation. Following radioactive iodine treatment patient developed hypothyroidism and this was treated with levothyroxine (Fig. ). Patient remained euthyroid for the next 4 years and during these 4 years the lymphoma continues to remain in remission.
A 32-year-old female presented with symptoms of low energy level, weight gain, cold intolerance, increased bowel movements, flaking, and itchy scalp in the year 2014. On examination, she was found to have a palpable goiter. Her family history was significant for thyroid disease affecting her sibling. Neck ultrasound demonstrated diffusely enlarged thyroid with mild heterogeneous echotexture and left hypoechoic solid nodule measuring 0.75 cm []. Thyroid function test (TFT) was within the normal limits (TSH: 3.4 μIU/mL and FT4: 1.1 ng/dL; normal laboratory values of TSH 0.350–4.940 uIU/mL and FT4: 0.7–1.5 ng/dL respectively) however, antithyroid peroxidase (1446.0 IU/ml; reference range 0.0–5.6 IU/ml) and Tg antibodies (95.4 IU/ml; reference range 0.0–4.1 IU/ml) were high. A diagnosis of euthyroid Hashimoto's disease was made, and the patient was followed up on ultrasound and TFT.\nIn the year 2016, the patient presented with irritability and anxiety. Repeat ultrasound showed status quo. However, there was a surge in thyroid antibodies and an increase in TSH levels (7.2 μIU/mL). The clinical impression was consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the patient was started on low-dose thyroxine, which she tolerated well for 3 years. On yearly follow-up, there was a downtrend in thyroid antibodies, TSH returned to normal range, and findings on ultrasound remained stable.\nIn October 2019, the patient presented with syncopal episode. Evaluation of TFT demonstrated low TSH of 0.003 μIU/mL and raised FT4 of 2.4 ng/dL. The patient was asked to stop thyroxine tablets and to repeat TFTs in 4 weeks. Repeat TSH was <0.002 μIU/mL and FT4 of 2.6 ng/dL. I-123 thyroid uptake and the scan was performed, which demonstrated findings consistent with Graves' disease [] with 24 h uptake of 63.6% (normal range 10%–25%). The patient was subsequently treated with 15.9 mCi of radioiodine (I-131). Follow-up in 6 weeks of radioiodine therapy, the patient was clinically stable.