Infected Recurrent Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: A thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is a congenital malformation in the neck. Surgical management is often recommended due to risk of recurrent infections and rare possibility of malignancy. Case Report: Herein, we describe the case of an adult presenting with tender neck mass and fever. She had a history of previous surgical excision of her TGDC as a child. On evaluation she was found to have a recurrent TGDC complicated by acute infection via computed tomography imaging. Conclusion: In patients who have had previous surgical intervention to remove a TGDC, recurrence with infection should remain a diagnostic consideration.

An Atlas of Lumps and Bumps: Part 17

“…1,4 The sex ratio is approximately equal. 5,6 Most cases are sporadic. 2,7 Familial occurrence is unusual.…”

“…3 Infection is the most common complication and is seen in approximately 10% of affected patients. 5,11 Hemorrhage into the cyst may also occur. 6 A lingual thyroglossal duct cyst may result in dysphagia, speech impairment, and ball-valve obstruction of the larynx.…”

Thyroglossal duct cyst as a cause of dyspnea in a two-year-old child

“…Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDC), representing the most commonly occurring congenital lesions of the neck (around 70%), are epithelial lesions located in the mid-sagittal plane of the body [1,2]. They occur primarily in children and adolescents (approximately 7% of the population) irrespective of gender [3]; however, only 1 out of 3 of patients may be older than 20 years [4,5].…”