giant cell thyroiditis


sub·a·cute gran·u·lom·a·tous thy·roi·di·tis

thyroiditis with round cell (usually lymphocytes) infiltration, destruction of thyroid cells, epithelial giant cell proliferation, and evidence of regeneration; thought by some to be a reflection of a systemic infection and not an example of true chronic thyroiditis. Synonym(s): de Quervain thyroiditis, giant cell thyroiditis

giant cell thyroiditis

Thyroiditis characterized by the presence of giant cells, round-cell infiltration, fibrosis, and destruction of follicles.See also: thyroiditis