[Why are some cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis operated on? Apropos of a series of cases].

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a polymorphous condition. Its clinical diagnosis depends on the presence of a moderately large goitre of recent onset (2-3 yr) that is usually symmetrical and node-free, and particularly hard and rubbery. In addition, a high level of antithyroid antibodies is observed. A search for these antibodies should certainly be made more often. Histological confirmation is required as soon as the level of antibodies is low, or when the goitre is nodular with cold scintiscan areas. Furthermore, development of the intrathyroid lymphoid system is of uncertain import, especially since there is no relation between the number of cells that could theoretically be secreting antibodies (i.e. intrathyroid plasma cells) and the incidence or level of the various antithyroid antibodies.