Pediatric ectopic intrathyroidal thymus diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration：a case report
10.3760/cma.j.cn131148-20250305-00119
- VernacularTitle:细针穿刺活检诊断儿童甲状腺内异位胸腺1例
- Author:
Wenbo LI
1
;
Xinyu REN
;
Yuxin JIANG
Author Information
1. 中国医学科学院 北京协和医学院 北京协和医院超声科，北京 100730
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Ultrasonography;
Thyroid;
Nodule;
Ectopic thymus;
Children;
Fine-needle aspiration
- From:
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography
2025;34(7):630-632
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Thyroid masses are uncommon in children，and thyroid nodules as a result of ectopic thymus tissue are even rarer. Here a case of ectopic thymus within the thyroid gland in an 11-year-old child was presented from Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The ultrasonic imaging showed hypoechoic nodules in both lobes of the thyroid gland with dot echogenic foci. Since the ultrasonic imaging posed a malignancy risk，an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed. The fine-needle aspiration pathology and immunohistochemistry diagnosed it as an ectopic thymus within the thyroid gland. After two years of follow-up，there were no apparent changes in the ultrasonic imaging. Accurately diagnosing thymic tissue within the thyroid gland in children is of great significance for avoiding unnecessary surgeries.
