Simultaneous Occurrence of Thyroiditis in Ectopic and Eutopic Thyroid Masquerading as Thyroglossal Cyst.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Thyroidology

Background:

• Ectopic thyroid gland is a rare congenital anomaly.
• It typically presents as neck swelling or hypothyroidism.
• Thyroiditis in an ectopic thyroid gland is exceptionally uncommon.

Observation:

• A 13-year-old girl initially suspected of having a thyroglossal cyst presented with thyrotoxicosis.
• Diagnostic workup revealed simultaneous thyroiditis affecting both an ectopic thyroid gland and a eutopic (normal) thyroid gland.
• This presentation is unusual, as ectopic thyroiditis is rarely reported and typically associated with euthyroid or hypothyroid states.

Findings:

• The patient exhibited thyrotoxicosis, a hyperthyroid state, due to concurrent inflammation in both ectopic and eutopic thyroid tissues.
• This marks a rare instance of simultaneous thyroiditis in both ectopic and normal thyroid glands.
• The clinical presentation of thyrotoxicosis in this context is exceedingly rare, contrasting with previously documented cases.

Implications:

• This case expands the clinical spectrum of ectopic thyroid gland presentations.
• It underscores the importance of comprehensive thyroid function evaluation in patients with suspected ectopic thyroid tissue.
• Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms leading to simultaneous thyroiditis in ectopic and eutopic thyroid glands, particularly in thyrotoxicosis.