Microscopic characteristics of adult dyshormonogenetic goiter: attempt to histologically estimate subtypes

Abstract

In adults, cases of dyshormonogenetic goiter (DG) that go undiagnosed during childhood may necessitate thyroidectomy due to unexplained thyroid enlargement, often presenting diagnostic challenges. This study aimed to characterize the histopathological features of the thyroid in adult DG cases, and to evaluate the feasibility of predicting subtypes from the findings. Fifty adult patients with DG confirmed by the presence of gene variants were included. All resected thyroids showed diffuse goiter with microscopically altered thyroid follicles throughout the gland. All patients with SLC5A5 abnormality (iodide transport defect) showed lobulation accentuated by interlobular fibrosis. Follicular cells were enlarged, except in patients with SLC26A4 abnormality (Pendred syndrome). A scant colloid was observed in all patients with thyroglobulin (TG) gene abnormality. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene abnormality and SLC26A4 abnormality were characterized by large follicles with Sanderson’s polsters. Multiple non-encapsulated nodular lesions were present except in two patients with SLC26A4 abnormality. These were mainly follicular thyroid adenoma-like nodules associated with TG gene abnormality, TPO gene abnormality, and SLC5A5 variant. With SLC26A4 abnormality, the nodules were follicular nodular disease-like. The proposed histological framework may be particularly valuable for adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy for unexplained diffuse enlargement or multinodularity, particularly when no prior diagnosis of DG is documented.