Simultaneous Occurrence of Thyroiditis in Ectopic and Eutopic Thyroid Masquerading as Thyroglossal Cyst

Abstract

Ectopic thyroid gland is a rare condition usually presenting with neck swelling or hypothyroidism. In most cases, ectopic thyroid tissue is the only functioning thyroid tissue, but it may rarely be associated with normal thyroid gland. Thyroiditis in an ectopic thyroid gland is very rare. Here, we describe a 13-year-old girl who was initially suspected, as a having a thyroglossal cyst. Thyroid functions were suggestive of thyrotoxicosis. She was diagnosed to have simultaneous occurrence of thyroiditis in the ectopic and eutopic thyroid glands. This case was exceedingly rare since this patient presented with thyrotoxicosis unlike previous reported cases who were either euthyroid or hypothyroid.

Keywords

• autoimmunity
• ectopic thyroid tissue
• thyrotoxicosis