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Thyrothymic thyroid rests: incidence and relationship to the thyroid gland
Wend R Sackett1, Tom S Reeve, Bruce Barraclough
1Department of Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|November 20, 2002
Summary
Thyroid tissue rests in the thyrothymic area are common, found in 46% of thyroid surgery patients. These rests, often small and attached by a pedicle, are clinically significant during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Thyrothymic thyroid rests are anatomical variations.
- These rests can have clinical implications during surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of thyroid tissue rests in the thyrothymic area.
- To describe the anatomical characteristics of these rests.
Main Methods:
- Prospective intraoperative evaluation of 100 thyroid/parathyroid procedures.
- Identification and photographic documentation of thyrothymic thyroid rests.
- Histological confirmation of identified thyroid remnants.
Main Results:
- Thyroid rests were identified in 53% of patients (46% of sides examined).
- Bilateral rests occurred in 57% of affected patients.
- Most rests (88%) were under 1 cm, with 80% attached by a pedicle.
Conclusions:
- Thyrothymic thyroid rests are common anatomical findings.
- These rests, whether separate nodules or prolongations, are clinically relevant for thyroid and parathyroid surgery.