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Lingual thyroid gland: clinical evaluation and management
Vijay Kumar1, Yoga Nagendhar, Bhanu Prakash
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India. vijaykumar5566@yahoo.com
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|January 5, 2005
Summary
This study details three pediatric cases of lingual thyroid, a rare condition where thyroid tissue is found on the tongue. Early diagnosis and L-thyroxine treatment effectively managed symptoms in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Lingual thyroid is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from aberrant embryonic descent of the thyroid gland.
- It can present with various symptoms, including airway obstruction, dysphagia, and bleeding, or be asymptomatic.
- Diagnosis and management protocols are crucial for affected pediatric patients.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of lingual thyroid were identified with varied clinical presentations.
- Symptoms included swelling noticed during routine evaluation, dysphagia, and sore throat.
- Physical examination revealed a swelling on the tongue posterior to the circumvallate line.
Findings:
- Diagnostic evaluation involved clinical assessment, laboratory tests (elevated TSH), and radiographic imaging.
- 99mTc thyroid scans confirmed ectopic thyroid tissue in the lingual location and absence of normal thyroid tissue.
- All patients received suppressive L-thyroxine therapy.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the importance of a structured diagnostic and management protocol for pediatric lingual thyroid.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as L-thyroxine, can lead to asymptomatic outcomes.
- Understanding the clinical presentation and diagnostic modalities is key for pediatricians and specialists managing this rare condition.