Congenital thyroid hemiagenesis with multinodular goiter

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Developmental Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare congenital anomaly.
• It involves the absence of one thyroid lobe, often due to abnormal descent or agenesis.
• This condition can present as a gradually enlarging thyroid mass.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old woman presented with a long-standing, progressive thyroid swelling.
• Ultrasonography revealed left thyroid lobe absence and right lobe enlargement.
• Computed tomography (CT) angiogram and radionuclide scan confirmed these findings.

Findings:

• Cytological examination indicated nodular goiter with cystic degeneration.
• Histopathological analysis post-right subtotal thyroidectomy confirmed adenomatous goiter with degenerative changes.
• The case underscores the rarity of thyroid hemiagenesis.

Implications:

• Accurate preoperative diagnosis relies on a multimodal approach including imaging and cytology.
• This case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic algorithm for thyroid hemiagenesis.
• Effective management involves precise diagnosis followed by appropriate surgical intervention.