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Characteristics of thyroid nodules in infant with congenital hypothyroidism
Seo Young Youn1, Jeong Ho Lee1, Yun-Woo Chang2
1Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Thyroid nodules are found in 4.2% of infants with congenital hypothyroidism. These small, benign nodules often disappear during follow-up and typically do not require treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neonatal Health
- Thyroidology
Background:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common endocrine disorder in newborns.
- Thyroid nodules are rare in infants but can occur.
- Understanding the characteristics of thyroid nodules in infants with CH is important for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of thyroid nodules in infants diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism.
- To assess the natural history and outcomes of these thyroid nodules.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 660 infants with CH from May 2003 to February 2013.
- Analysis of patient demographics, nodule characteristics (cystic vs. solid, size, number), and follow-up data.
- Thyroid ultrasonography used for diagnosis and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Thyroid nodules were identified in 4.2% of infants with CH (28 out of 660).
- Most nodules were small (<1 cm), asymptomatic, and benign (cystic or solid).
- 50% of nodules resolved during follow-up observation.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of thyroid nodules in infants with CH is 4.2%.
- Thyroid nodules in this population are typically small, benign, and often self-resolving.
- Observation without direct treatment is a suitable management strategy for these nodules.
Purpose:
This study aimed to assess the characteristics of thyroid nodules among infants diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism.
Methods:
A retrospective study of 660 infants (374 males, 286 females) diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism was carried out at the Pediatric Endocrine Clinic in Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Korea, between May 2003 and February 2013. The average age at diagnosis was 1.16±1.68 months.
Results:
Of the 28 patients (4.2%) with thyroid nodules, 17 (2.6%) had cystic thyroid nodules and 11 (1.6%) had solid thyroid nodules. There were no significant differences in gender or age between congenital hypothyroidism patients who hadthyroid nodules and those who did not. All nodules were asymptomatic. The average age at diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism with nodules was 1.42±1.39 months. All detected nodules measured less than 1 cm in diameter. Twenty-two of the 28 infants (78.6%) had only one nodule, while multiple nodules were found in 6 infants (21.4%). Of the 28 infants diagnosed with nodules, 16 underwent thyroid ultrasonography during follow-up and 8 of them (50%) showed no signs of nodules at thyroid ultrasonography.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of thyroid nodules in infants with congenital hypothyroidism was 4.2%. Most thyroid nodules were small in size and benign, disappearing during follow-up observation. We therefore conclude that thyroid nodules in infants with congenital hypothyroidism can simply be observed and do not require direct treatment.
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