Symptomatic Solid Ectopic Cervical Thymus in a 2-Month-Old Infant: Case Report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Head and Neck Pathology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Ectopic cervical thymus (ECT) is an uncommon congenital anomaly.
• While often asymptomatic, ECT can present with compressive symptoms.
• Solid forms of ECT are rare and typically symptomatic.

Observation:

• A case report of an infant presenting with shortness of breath due to a submandibular ectopic cervical thymus.
• Submandibular ECTs are frequently solid and large, predisposing to compressive issues.
• The infant experienced respiratory distress attributed to the neck mass.

Findings:

• Solid ectopic cervical thymus in the submandibular region can cause significant respiratory compromise in infants.
• Diagnostic considerations for pediatric neck masses must include ectopic cervical thymus.
• Surgical excision is crucial for managing symptomatic pediatric ECT.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of including pediatric ECT in the differential diagnosis of neck masses.
• Underscores the need for timely surgical intervention to prevent severe complications.
• Provides insights into the management of rare pediatric head and neck pathologies.