Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Background: Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (Anti-TPO) are markers of autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer, often occurring concurrently with autoimmune thyroiditis. 
Aim: The study aims to assess the relationship between Anti-TPO levels and the development of papillary carcinoma in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Specifically, it seeks to determine the prevalence and significance of elevated Anti-TPO levels in patients with PTC compared to those with autoimmune thyroiditis.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Salah Al-Din General Hospital in Tikrit city between January 1st and April 10th, 2023. It included 32 preoperative papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and 32 autoimmune thyroiditis patients aged over 30 years and of both sexes. Various investigations, including imaging studies, thyroid function tests, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and blood sample collection for Anti-TPO determination, were performed as preoperative examinations.
Results: The study revealed similar age distribution patterns between PTC and autoimmune thyroiditis patients, with the highest incidence in the 44-55 age group for both conditions. Females predominated in both groups, with urban-rural residence distribution differing between the two. Smoking, hypertension, and diabetes were more prevalent in PTC patients compared to autoimmune thyroiditis patients. However, radiation exposure showed no significant difference between the groups. Elevated Anti-TPO levels were more prevalent and had a higher mean value in autoimmune thyroiditis patients compared to PTC patients. Clinical features and prognostic factors varied based on tumor size in PTC patients.
Conclusions: The study suggests a significant association between elevated Anti-TPO levels and autoimmune thyroiditis, with implications for the development of papillary carcinoma.