Comparison between Bromine, Calcium, Chlorine, Iodine, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, and Sodium Contents in Normal Thyroid and Riedel’s Struma

Role of chemical elements (ChE) in etiology and pathogenesis of Riedel’s disease (RD) is unclear. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess whether there were significant changes in thyroid tissue levels of eight ChE (Br, Ca Cl, I, K, Mg, Mn, and Na) are present in the fibrotic transformed thyroid. Eight ChE of thyroid tissue were determined in 6 patients with RD. The control group included thyroid tissue samples from 105 healthy individuals. Measurements were conducted using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high-resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides. Reduced mean values of Ca and I content in 6.3 and 6.7 times, respectively, while elevated level of Br in 5.1 times were found in thyroid with RD in comparison with normal level. Because considerable changes in some ChE contents in tissue of thyroid with RD were found, it is reasonable to assume that the levels of these ChE in affected thyroid tissue can be used as RD markers. However, this topic needs additional studies.