Ectopic thyroid gland located on the L4 vertebral body

Abstract

Rationale: The prevalence of ectopic thyroid is extremely low, with the condition observed in approximately 1 in 100,000 to 300,000 people. Thyroid gland ectopia develops as a result of the presence of developmental abnormalities during the migration of the thyroid anlage from the floor of the primitive foregut to its final position in the neck. Ectopic thyroid tissue is commonly observed in the lingual region, but can also present in other head and neck regions, as well as regions located at a large distance from the neck. Patient concerns: A 67-year-old woman who had experienced left lumbago and leg pain was transferred to our hospital following the worsening of her lumbago-related symptoms in the 2 months preceding her presentation. Seven years ago, the patient had recurrent lumbago and leg pain without obvious inducement, and visited a local clinic for treatment. The severity of her symptoms fluctuated; their intensity increased after participation in activities and decreased after rest. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed as having an ectopic thyroid gland that was located on the L4 vertebral body. Interventions: The patient chose to undergo surgery, with supportive care, following tumor discovery. Outcomes: After surgical treatment, the degree of lumbar spinal stenosis improved, and the patient's clinical symptoms were alleviated. Lessons: Clinically, ectopic goiter is diagnosed through radionuclide thyroid imaging, ultrasound examination, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and biopsy pathology. However, the imaging manifestations in this case were atypical, leading to greater diagnostic difficulties. A conclusion was finally reached based on pathology.

Ectopic Mediastinal and Lumbar Thyroid Tissue

“…A similar case of ectopic lumbar thyroid tissue was reported by Lin et al in 2021 in a 67-year-old woman who presented with left lumbago and leg pain [ 9 ]. Thyroid scintigraphy, ultrasonography, CT scan, and histological examination of the mass are used in the diagnosis of ectopic thyroid mass [ 8 ].…”

“…Ectopic thyroid is reported to be prevalent in one in every 10,000-300,000 people in the general population and one in every 4,000-8000 among patients with thyroid disease [ 8 ]. ETT exhibits morphological variation and dysplasia is the predominant form of variation [ 9 ]. ETT mostly has an asymptomatic presentation.…”

Ectopic thyroid nodes in the mediastinum - report of two cases

“…Most commonly it is located along the way of descent of thyroid gland, along the thyroglossal duct, from the base of tongue to infrahyoid part of the neck [1,2]. However, thyroid tissue rarely can be found at certain distant sites [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Patients are mostly asymptomatic and ectopic thyroid usually is detected incidentally.…”

Accessory Thyroid Tissue Detected Using 131I SPECT/CT Imaging

“…[2][3][4][5] A number of rare sites of ectopy has been reported, including within organs of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as structures such as the pituitary gland and vertebral body. 4,6,7 Dual ectopic thyroid is considered a rarer form of thyroid ectopia characterized by the presence of both an orthotopic and ectopic gland, with 70% of ectopic thyroid cases lacking thyroid tissue at the orthotopic pretracheal site. 1,3,5,8 Thyroid scintigraphy is both highly sensitive and specific in differentiating normal thyroid and ectopic tissue from tissue swelling of other causes.…”

“…Ectopic thyroid tissue could be located anywhere from the foramen caecum of the tongue to the diaphragm base, although the majority is in the lingual and sublingual location [2][3][4][5]. A number of rare sites of ectopy has been reported, including within organs of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as structures such as the pituitary gland and vertebral body 4,6,7. Dual ectopic thyroid is considered a rarer form of thyroid ectopia characterized by the presence of both an orthotopic and ectopic gland, with 70% of ectopic thyroid cases lacking thyroid tissue at the orthotopic pretracheal site 1,3,5,8.…”