Amyloid Goiter in a Patient with Cystic Fibrosis

ABSTRACT Objective: Amyloidosis (AA) is a disorder characterized by the local or systemic deposition of amorphous fibrous material. The most commonly affected organs are the kidneys, liver, and spleen, with the thyroid gland rarely affected. Methods: We present the case of a 28-year-old female with cystic fibrosis (CF), renal AA, and a fast-growing goiter. Results: Fine-needle aspiration puncture material was negative for Congo red staining. A total thyroidectomy was performed given the high degree of suspicion for amyloid goiter, a diagnosis that was later confirmed after analysis of the surgical specimen. Conclusion: Subclinical infiltration of the thyroid gland may occur in up to 80% of patients with AA produced by inflammatory or chronic infectious diseases, though symptomatic infiltration of the thyroid gland is unusual. Given the increased survival of patients with CF, this complication may become more frequent. Clinicians should therefore be alert for its possible appearance. Abbreviations: AA amyloidosis CF cystic fibrosis FNAP fineneedle aspiration puncture SAA serum amyloid A TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone