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Ectopic functioning thyroid tissue in the thyroglossal duct detected by radionuclide imaging
P Nageswara Rao1, Nandini Pandit, Rajesh Kumar
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, Manipal, India. drpesala@yahoo.com
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|August 16, 2005
Summary
Graves' disease treatment revealed functioning thyroid tissue in the thyroglossal duct. This finding was confirmed using technetium-99m pertechnetate and iodine-131 scans, highlighting ectopic thyroid tissue.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Endocrinology
- Anatomic variations
Background:
- Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid scans are crucial for diagnosing and managing thyroid conditions.
- Ectopic thyroid tissue can occur in various locations.
Observation:
- A patient with Graves' disease presented for thyroid scintigraphy.
- Technetium-99m pertechnetate scan showed a diffuse toxic goiter and uptake in the thyroglossal duct.
- Iodine-131 scan confirmed radioiodine uptake in both the enlarged thyroid and the thyroglossal duct.
Findings:
- The scans confirmed the presence of functioning thyroid tissue within the thyroglossal duct.
- This indicates ectopic thyroid tissue in a patient with diffuse toxic goiter.
- Radioiodine uptake in the thyroglossal duct was consistent with functioning thyroid tissue.
Implications:
- Thyroglossal duct remnants can harbor functioning thyroid tissue.
- This has implications for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders.
- Understanding ectopic thyroid tissue is important for accurate nuclear medicine imaging and treatment planning.