Double Ectopic Thyroid Gland in a 10-Year-Old Filipino Boy

Abstract

Objective: To present a case of a double ectopic thyroid gland in a 10-year old boy and discuss the pros and cons of the different management options that were available.
 Methods
 Design: Case Report
 Setting: Tertiary Hospital in Metro Manila
 Subject: One (1)
 Results: A 10-year-old boy presented with hoarseness and easy fatigability for 6 years. Rigid endoscopy and CT scan showed an infraglottic mass originating from the anterior tracheal wall causing obstruction. Biopsy revealed thyroid tissue with atypia. Thyroid scintigraphy showed uptake in the submental and midline anterior neck. Thyroid hormone levels were consistent with hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine returned hormone levels to normal and resulted in complete regression of the mass with no symptoms of dyspnea, stridor or bleeding.
 Conclusion: The management of ectopic thyroid presents a challenge as there are no guidelines for optimal treatment. Thyroid hormone insufficiency is a frequent occurrence, and emphasis must be given to its monitoring. Surgery in a critical airway lesion such as this may be reserved for cases where the patient experiences dyspnea and stridor or lack of response to thyroid hormone treatment.
 Keywords: Ectopic thyroid, direct laryngoscopy, thyroid hormone, levothyroxine