Dual ectopic thyroid: a report of two cases

Abstract

Ectopic thyroid is an uncommon embryological aberration characterized by the presence of thyroid tissue at a site other than in its usual pretracheal region. Usually it occurs along the path of descent of the developing thyroid primodium from the foramen caecum, commonest being lingual followed by sublingual and in the anterior midline of neck at, or below, the level of the hyoid bone. It is unusual for lingual thyroid to present simultaneously with another ectopic thyroid; reported here are two such cases.

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst in a 3-Month-Old Infant: A Rare Case

“…Although it is quite rare to encounter TGDC during the newborn or infant period, it has been reported in the literature that lingual thyroid cases are more common in this period (10)(11)(12)(13). This condition is often asymptomatic, but depending on the size of the mass, it may cause symptoms such as dysphagia and a foreign body sensation in the throat in addition to dysphonia or voice coarsening (12).…”

“…This condition is often asymptomatic, but depending on the size of the mass, it may cause symptoms such as dysphagia and a foreign body sensation in the throat in addition to dysphonia or voice coarsening (12).…”

A Study on Clinical Profile of Ectopic Thyroid Gland From a Tertiary Care Hospital

“…Autotransplantation of excised thyroid has been attempted. (18,19) Steinwald et al (20) reported 30% of patients remained euthyroid with autotransplantation, not requiring levothyroxine therapy. Radioactive ablation may be another approach for elderly patients with symptomatic ectopic, who refuse or not fit for surgery.…”

Tireoide ectópica no mediastino anterior

“…(4)(5)(6) The occurrence of ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare embryological aberration. (7,8) Among patients with hypothyroidism, the incidence of ectopic thyroid is estimated to range from 1/4,000 to 1/8,000.…”

“…(7,8) Among patients with hypothyroidism, the incidence of ectopic thyroid is estimated to range from 1/4,000 to 1/8,000. (9) When ectopic thyroid occurs, it is located along the path of descent of the developing embryonic thyroid, from the foramen cecum (5) to its destined pretracheal location. (8) The development of ectopic thyroid tissue can occur at any point during the migration of the thyroid, resulting in lingual, sublingual, prelaryngeal and substernal (mediastinal) ectopia.…”