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Journal of Clinical Pathology logoLink to Journal of Clinical Pathology
. 1995 Jun;48(6):582–584. doi: 10.1136/jcp.48.6.582

Histological features of the thyroid gland in a patient with lithium induced thyrotoxicosis.

Y Mizukami 1, T Michigishi 1, A Nonomura 1, S Nakamura 1, M Noguchi 1, E Takazakura 1
PMCID: PMC502696  PMID: 7665708

Abstract

A 26 year old woman with lithium induced thyrotoxicosis is reported. The thyrotoxicosis was associated with a non-tender diffuse goitre and a low radioiodine uptake by the gland. The thyrotoxicosis was reversible and remitted on withdrawal of the drug. The histopathological alterations of the thyroid glad were characterised by extensive follicular cell disruption with no lymphocytic infiltration. It is postulated that lithium might directly damage thyroid follicular cells and that subsequent release of thyroglobulin into the circulation might be a cause of transient thyrotoxicosis.

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Selected References

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