Ectopic thyroid gland located on the L4 vertebral body: A case report

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Pathology
• Radiology

Background:

• Ectopic thyroid tissue, a rare developmental anomaly, occurs due to abnormal migration of the thyroid anlage.
• Its prevalence is estimated at 1 in 100,000 to 300,000 individuals.
• While commonly found in the lingual region, it can occur in various head, neck, and distant locations.

Observation:

• A 67-year-old woman presented with worsening left lumbago and leg pain, a condition she had experienced intermittently for years.
• Diagnostic imaging revealed an ectopic thyroid gland located on the L4 vertebral body.
• The imaging findings were atypical, posing diagnostic challenges.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention was performed for the ectopic thyroid gland.
• Post-surgery, the patient experienced significant improvement in lumbar spinal stenosis and alleviation of clinical symptoms.
• Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis and guided treatment decisions.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering ectopic thyroid tissue in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pain, even in unusual locations.
• Atypical imaging presentations necessitate a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including pathological confirmation.
• Successful surgical management can lead to symptom resolution in cases of ectopic thyroid goiter causing compressive issues.