Diagnostic evaluation of a case of lingual thyroid ectopia.
Thyroid ectopia can occur when the process of thyroid embryogenesis fails. Here, we present the case of a 30-year-old woman with thyroid ectopia that was discovered during magnetic resonance imaging of cervical spine for referred neck pain. Imaging revealed the presence of an encapsulated mass at the base of her tongue. The patient was not symptomatic for any compression of the airways. Diagnosis of ectopic lingual thyroid was confirmed by (99m)TC scintigraphy. Incidental diagnosis of thyroid ectopia in asymptomatic adult patients is rare, and it should be considered on diagnostic imaging in case of an anterior midline cervical mass.
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Valeria
V
Fiaschetti
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Giulia
G
Claroni
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Angela Lia
AL
Scarano
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Orazio
O
Schillaci
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Roberto
R
Floris
lingual thyroid; magnetic resonance; thyroid ectopia