Evidence of autoimmune pathogenesis in autonomous thyroid adenoma.

Using an immunohistochemical attempt to immunostain thyroid related autoantibodies, 30 specimens of autonomous adenomas of the thyroid were investigated. Twelve out of 23 inflammatory infiltrates surrounding the 'hot' nodules contained plasma cells, which gave a positive staining reaction for thyroid related autoantibodies. Seven adenomas showed no significant lymphoplasmacellular infiltration. It is concluded that this phenomenon might be due to an autoimmune pathogenesis in a part of patients with autonomous adenomas, indicating that there is no sharp line between autoimmune and non autoimmune thyroid disorder.