Microfilaria in thyroid gland fine needle aspiration cytology - an unusual finding

Abstract

Involvement of thyroid gland by filariasis is an unusual finding. We report a case in which microfilaria was found in thyroid aspirate smear. Patient did not have any symptoms or signs suggestive of filariasis. The patient was treated with diethylcarbamazine and a later hemithyroidectomy was performed. We reviewed the literature and discussed possible reasons for finding a microfilaria in thyroid gland.

KEYWORDS: microfilaria, aspiration cytology, thyroid gland

Nigerian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Vol. 3(1) 2006: 36-38