Evaluation of thyroid Zuckerkandl tubercle by computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Anatomy
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The Zuckerkandl Tubercle (ZT) is an anatomical variation of the thyroid gland.
• Accurate identification of ZT is crucial for surgical planning, particularly during thyroidectomies, due to its proximity to the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and typologies of the Zuckerkandl Tubercle (ZT) using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of the neck.
• To investigate the presence of nodules within the ZT.
• To compare CT findings with existing literature.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of contrast-enhanced CT scans of the neck in 1000 patients.
• Evaluation of patient demographics (age, gender) and the presence, side, and type of ZT.
• Assessment for nodules at the ZT level.

Main Results:

• Thyroid ZT was identified in 22.2% of patients (n=222).
• Unilateral ZT occurred on the right in 60.4% and on the left in 13.1%; bilateral ZT was present in 26.6%.
• Nodules within the ZT were found in 1.3% of patients. ZT typologies were 63% Type 1, 31% Type 2, and 5% Type 3.

Conclusions:

• CT imaging is effective for identifying ZT and its typologies.
• Reporting ZT presence on CT scans is vital for preventing surgical complications and misdiagnoses.
• ZT identification is essential for safely locating the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery.