Thyroid diseases in children and adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Thyroid nodules are relatively rare in children and adolescents and have a prevalence between 0.2%-1.8%. They are more often malignant in children than in adults and thus an early diagnosis is extremely important.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to analyze the group of pediatric patients with nodular thyroid diseases.


METHODS
The authors processed the documentation of 66 pediatric patients with nodular thyroid disease who have been surgically treated at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, JFM CU and MFH in Martin during 2003-2007.


RESULTS
Family history was positive in 32 patients (48.5%). Twenty-three patients (35%) had hyperfunction thyroid disease. Euthyroid status was found in 43 patients (65%). Ultrasonography examination was performed in all patients. Percutaneous aspiration biopsy was performed in 38 patients (58%) and peroperative histology in 40 patients (61%). Technecium (Tc)99m-scintigraphy was performed in 4 patients (6%). CT and MRI examination of the neck and upper mediastinum was indicated in one child. All patients were surgically treated with classical approach after achieving euthyroid stage. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 24 patients, hemithyroidectomy in 41 patients and isthmectomy was done in one patient. No severe postoperative complications were present.


CONCLUSIONS
Thyroid diseases are the second most frequent endocrinopathy in children and adolescents with girls being more frequently affected. It is multidisciplinary problem requiring cooperation of specialists in different fields of medicine. In patients with thyroid diseases not responding to conservative treatment or with clinical signs of mechanical syndrom surgery is a causal therapy (Tab. 3, Ref. 20). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.
Calkovsky
V
V
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and Martin University Hospital, Martin, Slovakia. calkovsky1@post.sk
Hajtman
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy