Dysfunctional ectopic thyroid gland: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Developmental Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Lingual thyroid gland is a rare developmental anomaly, more prevalent in females.
• Often asymptomatic in adults, but can cause dysphagia, dysphonia, or dyspnea if symptomatic, leading to childhood diagnosis.

Observation:

• A 23-year-old female incidentally diagnosed with lingual thyroid during workup for another condition.
• 131I scintigraphy confirmed ectopic thyroid tissue at the tongue base, with absent orthotopic gland.
• Functional tests revealed primary hypothyroidism.

Findings:

• Substitution therapy with levothyroxine normalized thyroid function (euthyroid state).
• Levothyroxine treatment also led to a reduction in the size of the ectopic lingual thyroid gland.

Implications:

• This case highlights the incidental diagnosis of lingual thyroid in adults.
• Treatment decisions for lingual thyroid require consideration of patient condition, age, gland size, and symptoms.
• Further research is needed to establish clear treatment guidelines for this rare anomaly.