Thyroid heterotopia revealed by a cervical subcutaneous nodule: a clinical case report

Pan Afr Med J. 2021 Sep 27:40:60. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.60.27683. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Thyroid heterotopia is an abnormal localization of normal thyroid tissue coexisting with a normal organ on a normal localization. It is a rare condition with a frequency that is not well known in the literature. We report a case of thyroid heterotopia in a 30 month-old girl referred for a painless lower antero-cervical nodule that has been developing for one year with past history no contributory. The clinical examination found a subcutaneous formation mobile in relation to the different deep and superficial planes with bilateral angulomandibular micro-lymphadenopathy. Ultrasounds of the soft parts of the neck showed hypoechogenic tissue reminiscent of thyroid tissue, the thyroid was in place. The thyroid hormone profile was normal. In the absence of a functional scintigraphy device, the diagnosis was confirmed with a pathology exam after surgery. We discuss the diagnostic relevance of thyroid heterotopia in front of any anterior nodular formation of the neck.

Keywords: Thyroid heterotopia; case report; clinical; neck.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Choristoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Choristoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphadenopathy / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging*