Ectopic Pulmonary Goiter Simulating Malignant Tumor Detected on SPECT/CT

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Ectopic goiter is a rare condition involving thyroid tissue found outside its normal location in the neck.
• Pulmonary masses can present diagnostic challenges, requiring thorough investigation to rule out malignancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of ectopic pulmonary goiter.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of imaging modalities in identifying ectopic thyroid tissue.

Main Methods:

• A 46-year-old woman with an incidental pulmonary mass underwent ultrasonography-guided needle biopsy.
• 131I whole-body scintigraphy and SPECT/CT were performed to assess radioiodine uptake.

Main Results:

• Pathological examination confirmed ectopic goiter in the pulmonary mass.
• Imaging revealed intense radioiodine uptake in the pulmonary mass, mediastinal nodule, and normally located thyroid gland.
• Subclinical hyperthyroidism was noted in laboratory findings.

Conclusions:

• Ectopic pulmonary goiter can mimic a malignant pulmonary neoplasm.
• Radioiodine scintigraphy is crucial for diagnosing ectopic thyroid tissue, even when located in the chest.