Infected thyroglossal duct cyst

Abstract

A 5-year-old boy presented with a 4-day history of midline neck tenderness and swelling. Examination revealed a firm, palpable, mobile, erythematous midline neck mass that moved with tongue protrusion. Axial contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck (CTDI Vol 12.76 mGy, Fig. 1) with sagittal reconstruction (Fig. 2) revealed a thick-walled, rim-enhancing, cystic midline mass (arrow) inferior to the hyoid bone and anterior to the normal thyroid gland.Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common cause of midline neck masses. These can be found at any level from the base of the tongue to the isthmus of the thyroid gland.