Changes in Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Case Volume During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to identify trends in thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) presentation, management, and clinical characteristics in patients before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a tertiary referral center and community hospital. Patients were identified using TGDC diagnosis and surgical codes and organized into two cohorts: "Pre-COVID" (May 18th, 2016-March 10th, 2020) and "COVID" (March 11th, 2020-December 31st, 2023). Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and surgical rates and outcomes were obtained.

The case volume of patients presenting with TGDCs did not differ significantly between pre-COVID (n = 121, 52.6%) and COVID (n = 109, 47.4%) periods (p = 0.31). The proportion of pediatric cases increased (35.5% pre-COVID vs. 50.5% COVID, p = 0.03). Patients were more likely to present with an infected neck mass or sequelae of infection, such as fistula, in the COVID cohort (10.7% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.03). The percentage of patients that underwent surgery for their TGDC (62.8% vs. 69.7%, p = 0.33) did not significantly differ.

The presentation or surgical rates of patients presenting with TGDC in the pre-COVID vs. COVID periods did not significantly change. However, COVID patients were more likely to present with an infected mass or sequelae of infection, suggesting delays in seeking care until infection occurred or greater infection rates in these cysts. Future studies with larger sample sizes may help clarify trends in TGDC case volume before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining variances in referral and presentation patterns.

Level III.