HISTOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE THYROID-GLAND IN A PATIENT WITH LITHIUM-INDUCED THYROTOXICOSIS

A 26 year old woman with lithium induced thyrotoxicosis is reported. T he thyrotoxicosis was associated with a non-tender diffuse goitre and a low radio-iodine uptake by the gland. The thyrotoxicosis was reversi ble and remitted on withdrawal of the drug. The histopathological alte rations of the thyroid glad were characterised by extensive follicular cell disruption with no lymphocytic infiltration. It is postulated th at lithium might directly damage thyroid follicular cells and that sub sequent release lease of thyroglobulin into the circulation might be a cause of transient thyrotoxicosis.