Case article · Clinical education
Hypothyroidism and Ectopic Thyroid Tissue in a 22-Year-Old Female
A 22-year-old female presented with an anterior neck mass of unknown duration. She had no known history of thyroid dysfunction before presentation.
A 22-year-old female presented with an anterior neck mass of unknown duration. She had no known history of thyroid dysfunction before presentation.
A 22-year-old female presented with an anterior neck mass of unknown duration. She had no known history of thyroid dysfunction before presentation.
Laboratory tests revealed elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with low free thyroxine (FT4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels, indicating hypothyroidism. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (ATPO) levels were within the normal range.
TSH: 19 uIU/ml (elevated)
FT4: 6.7 pmol/L (low)
T3: 1.04 ng/ml (low)
ATPO: 12 IU/ml (normal)
Imaging Findings: Neck ultrasound showed the absence of a thyroid gland in its normal anatomical position. Instead, a well-defined complex ectopic thyroid tissue was identified in the midline of the neck, measuring 42 × 32 × 19 mm.
Diagnosis: The findings confirmed hypothyroidism due to ectopic thyroid tissue in the midline of the neck.
The patient was started on thyroid hormone replacement therapy with thyroxine 100 mcg once daily to correct hypothyroidism and prevent further glandular hypertrophy. She was scheduled for regular follow-up to monitor thyroid function, hormone levels, and any changes in the size or function of the ectopic thyroid tissue.
