[Ectopic thyroid and late-onset functional deficit of the thyroid gland]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pediatrics
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Congenital hypothyroidism is a significant cause of preventable intellectual disability.
• Ectopic thyroid tissue is a known cause of congenital hypothyroidism.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of ectopic thyroid gland as a cause of hypothyroidism.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of thyroid scans in identifying ectopic thyroid tissue.
• To assess the age of onset and presentation of hypothyroidism due to ectopic thyroid glands.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 122 patients with hypothyroidism due to congenital thyroid abnormalities over 14 years.
• Thyroid scintigraphy was used to detect ectopic thyroid glands.
• Patient data including age at diagnosis and thyroid hormone levels were reviewed.

Main Results:

• Ectopic thyroid glands were detected in 56 out of 122 patients (45.9%).
• The majority of patients (48/56) were diagnosed before 1 year of age.
• Hypothyroidism due to ectopic thyroid was observed in 18.7% of patients with late-onset disease (2.5-14 years).

Conclusions:

• Thyroid scintigraphy is a safe and effective diagnostic tool for ectopic thyroid glands in neonatal patients.
• Neonatal screening for ectopic thyroid tissue is recommended to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
• Early detection and management of hypothyroidism secondary to ectopic thyroid can significantly improve patient outcomes.