Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Procurement of Parathyroid Glands from Living Donor Pigs and Ex Vivo Identification
Published on: August 1, 2025
An ectopic intrathyroidal thymic tissue and intrathymic parathyroid tissue in a patient with Graves disease
Kelly O'Connor1, Hassan Alzahrani1,2, Fadi Murad1
1Department of Surgery, Division of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Abstract:
Ectopic intrathyroidal thymic tissue, with coinciding intrathymic parathyroid tissue, is a very rare occurrence that is most often found incidentally in adults during surgery. We report a 23-year-old female who presented with Graves disease refractory to medical treatment. Radioactive iodine uptake demonstrated increased, diffuse uptake in the region of the thyroid. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy and right inferior parathyroidectomy which was found enlarged intraoperatively. Histopathologically, surgical specimen demonstrated characteristics of intrathyroidal thymic tissue and intrathymic parathyroid tissue. Intrathyroidal thymic tissue can be identified preoperatively on ultrasonography, but the significance of this finding is unknown.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Tissues
Tissues
Plant Tissue Culture
The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
Plant Cells and Tissues
Tissue Membranes
Connective Tissue Membranes
The connective tissue membrane is formed solely from connective tissue. These membranes encapsulate organs, such as the kidneys, and line our movable joints. A synovial...

