Accessory thyroid in the anterior mediastinum: case report

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Accessory thyroid tissue, or ectopic thyroid, can occur along the thyroglossal duct's embryological descent.
• While commonly found in the neck, ectopic thyroid in the mediastinum is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A case of accessory thyroid tissue located in the anterior mediastinum is presented.
• This mediastinal thyroid tissue was discovered incidentally during the preoperative evaluation for breast carcinoma.
• The accessory thyroid was anatomically distinct and physically separated from the orthotopic thyroid gland.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of functional thyroid tissue within the mediastinal mass.
• The case highlights the potential for ectopic thyroid tissue to present in unusual intrathoracic locations.
• The extreme rarity of mediastinal accessory thyroid is emphasized.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering ectopic thyroid tissue in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses.
• Accurate preoperative identification is crucial for appropriate surgical planning and management.
• Further investigation into the embryological and clinical significance of mediastinal ectopic thyroid is warranted.