Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:19
Substernal Thyroid Biopsy Using Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Published on: November 10, 2014
[Thyroid hydatid cyst: report of one case]
Juan Antonio Pérez P1, Orlando Felmer E, Cristian Carrasco E
1Instituto de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. jperez@uach.cl
Revista Medica De Chile
|October 25, 2008
Summary
A large calcified thyroid nodule was surgically removed from a 64-year-old male. The nodule was a hydatid cyst, and the patient recovered well, remaining asymptomatic post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Parasitology
Background:
- A 64-year-old male presented with a history of a thyroid nodule and recent onset of goiter, dyspnea, and dysphagia.
- Previous fine needle aspiration 18 years prior was inconclusive regarding the initial thyroid nodule.
Observation:
- Imaging revealed a large, calcified superior mediastinal nodule of presumed thyroid origin, causing airway and vascular displacement.
- A concurrent small thyroid nodule of uncertain origin and a cold right thyroid nodule were identified.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration identified an 8x6x6 cm calcified nodule and a separate 10 mm nodule.
- Pathological examination confirmed the large nodule as a calcified hydatid cyst and the smaller nodule as focal nodular hyperplasia.
Implications:
- This case highlights the rare occurrence of a mediastinal hydatid cyst originating from the thyroid gland.
- Surgical resection of the hydatid cyst resolved the patient's compressive symptoms, with a favorable long-term outcome.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
01:27Goiter
Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...