Presentation
Incidental finding on ultrasound exam.
Patient Data
Age: 6 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Ectopic thymic tissue within the thyroid gland
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The thyroid gland shows normal size and echotexture with a well-defined lobulated hypoechoic area at the mid-zone of the left lobe containing numerous internal non-shadowing hyperechoic foci similar to that of the normal thymus gland.
Case Discussion
Ectopic thymic tissue is a rare congenital variant occurring along its migration route and is usually discovered incidentally. The key to diagnosis is the ultrasound appearance which closely mimics normal thymus gland and location in the mid/lower thyroid. It could be confused with a malignant thyroid nodule containing microcalcifications, however, in typical cases FNAB and surgery can be avoided.
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