[Normally functioning ectopic thyroid in adults. Apropos of 4 cases]

Four cases are presented of ectopic thyroid tissue in adult women who underwent for thyroid study for different motives. Radioisotopic uptake was absent in the usual thyroid location. Thyroid function was normal in every case and no psychomotor abnormalities were present. In one case, echography revealed an atrophic thyroid in the usual location in association with thyroid ectopy. The literature of thyroid ectopy was reviewed and the preponderant role of radioisotopic scan is underlined, together with thyroid echography in the imaging diagnosis of neck masses.