Primary thyroid lymphoma: CT findings.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the computed tomographic (CT) findings of primary thyroid lymphoma.


METHODS
The clinicopathological data and CT images of nine patients with primary thyroid lymphoma were retrospectively reviewed. The CT appearances were classified into three types: type 1, a solitary nodule surrounded by normal thyroid tissue; type 2, multiple nodules in the thyroid, and type 3, a homogeneously enlarged both thyroid glands with a reduced attenuation with or without peripheral thin hyperattenuating thyroid tissue.


RESULTS
All patients had a rapidly enlarging thyroid mass and coexistent Hashimoto's thyroiditis. One patient showed type 1 pattern, three type 2, and five type 3. Six patients had homogeneous tumor isoattenuating to surrounding muscles. The tumors had a strong tendency to compress normal remnant thyroid and the surrounding structure without invasion.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary thyroid lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis when old female had a homogeneous thyroidal mass isoattenuating to muscles, which does not invade surrounding structures.
Kim
Hyo-Cheol
HC
Department of Radiology and Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 28 Yongon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, South Korea.
Han
Moon Hee
MH
Kim
Keon Ha
KH
Jae
Hwan Jun
HJ
Lee
Sang Hyun
SH
Kim
Sam Soo
SS
Kim
Kwang Hyun
KH
Chang
Kee-Hyun
KH
D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013967:Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / Q000150:complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography