Psammomatoid Calcification-Rich Oncocytic Thyroid Adenoma With Clear-Cell Change

Clin Pathol. 2019 Mar 18:12:2632010X19829251. doi: 10.1177/2632010X19829251. eCollection 2019 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Abundant calcifications and clear-cell change may occur in oncocytic thyroid adenoma (OTA). We aimed to report the features of a case of OTA peculiar by the presence of extensive calcifications and of a clear-cell component. The OTA was detected on a right thyroid lobectomy specimen. Clear-cell change was observed in 15%-20% of the cells. Numerous, focally confluent psammomatoid calcifications, resulting in macrocalcifications, were identified. The nodule cells, uni- or multinucleated oncocytes, including those with clear cytoplasm, expressed heterogeneously TTF1, S100 protein, Bcl2, CD10, as well as CD138 and CD56. Lipid-droplet markers adipophilin and TIP47 were also expressed. In conclusion, we report a rare type of OTA, peculiar by the presence of numerous psammomatoid calcifications and of macrocalcification and by the presence of clear-cell change. Heterogeneity in membrane CD56 and/or CD138 expression as well as cytoplasmic heterogeneity of Bcl2 and lipid-droplet marker TIP47 might be relevant for calcification and clear-cell change, requiring further investigation.

Keywords: Thyroid; adenoma; calcification; clear cell; immunohistochemistry; mitochondria; nodule; oncocyte; psammomatoid/psammoma-like/pseudo-psammoma.