Spindle Epithelial Tumor with Thymus-Like Differentiation of the Thyroid Gland: A Case Report with Ultrasonography and CT Features, Cytological Findings and Histopathological Results

Abstract

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) of the thyroid gland is a very rare tumor. It is believed to originate from ectopic thymus tissue within the thyroid gland or from branchial pouch remnants that differentiate along the thymic line. A few reports of SETTLE have been presented, but to the best of our knowledge, there is no case report in which detailed preoperative imaging features of SETTLE have been described. In addition, there are no case reports of SETTLE in Korean patients. Thus, we report a case of SETTLE with detailed preoperative ultrasonography and computed tomography features, cytological findings and histopathological results.

Keywords

• thymic epithelial tumor
• thymus gland
• thyroid neoplasm
• ultrasonography
• computed tomography