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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

An Ex vivo Culture System to Study Thyroid Development
08:33

An Ex vivo Culture System to Study Thyroid Development

Published on: June 6, 2014

Thyroid ectopia in a congenital hypothyroid infant

S Krinsky

    Clinical Nuclear Medicine
    |August 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    A baby girl had thyroid screening showing high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low T4. Imaging revealed an undescended thyroid gland at the base of her tongue, not in the neck.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Nuclear Medicine
    • Congenital Disorders

    Background:

    • Thyroid hormone levels are crucial for infant development.
    • Congenital hypothyroidism requires timely diagnosis and management.
    • Thyroid imaging aids in identifying ectopic or absent thyroid tissue.

    Observation:

    • An infant presented with screening results indicating hypothyroidism (low T4, high TSH).
    • Neck imaging did not locate thyroid tissue in the typical anatomical position.
    • A radioactive iodine uptake scan showed activity at the base of the tongue.

    Findings:

    • The diagnostic findings are consistent with a diagnosis of lingual thyroid.
    • A lingual thyroid represents an undescended thyroid gland.
    • This ectopic thyroid tissue can cause hypothyroidism.

    Implications:

    • Early diagnosis of lingual thyroid is essential to prevent developmental issues.
    • Management may involve thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
    • Understanding thyroid development anomalies is critical in pediatric care.

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