TPO and hematocrit: Histopathological examination showed bilateral MNG in all cases (mean weight of the thyroid glands: 53.6 ± 45.7 g) and the additional presence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) in 6/25 patients (24%, all with positive thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin autoantibodies).