Disseminated nocardiosis presenting as a superinfected thyroglossal duct cyst in a patient with diabetes.

We introduce the case of a male patient in his 60s who was admitted to our emergency department with a persisting sore throat for the last 3 weeks and dysphagia. Fibre-endoscopic evaluation revealed an asymmetry at the base of the tongue. In combination with elevated white cell count and C reactive protein, a computerized tomography showed a superinfected thyroglossal duct cyst. Intravenous antibiotics were initiated, and the patient was taken to the operating room for cervicotomy. The microbiological swab taken intraoperatively detected Nocardia paucivorans Additional imaging revealed disseminated nocardiosis with cerebral and pulmonary manifestations.The patient was treated with oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and, over time, showed complete remission of central nervous system lesions and improvement of pulmonary involvement. Following this, the treatment was stopped 8 months after the initial diagnosis. In this report, we discuss treatment standards and outcomes of nocardiosis based on our management strategies of our patient.

Research progress of ectopic thyroid cancer in thyroglossal duct cyst: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Thyroglossal duct carcinoma, a rare clinical condition characterized by ectopic thyroid adenocarcinoma within thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs), typically confirmed through intraoperative rapid pathology, this condition generally has a favorable prognosis. Nevertheless, comprehensive treatment guidelines across all disease stages are lacking, the purpose of this study is to report 1 case of the disease and propose the treatment plan for each stage of the disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: A patient presented with thyroid swelling, classified as C-TIRADS 4A following a physical examination. Preoperative thyroid puncture identified papillary thyroid carcinoma, and genetic testing revealed a BRAF gene exon 15-point mutation. Ancillary tests showed a slightly decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level (0.172) with no other significant abnormalities. DIAGNOSES: Preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) confirmed right-side thyroid cancer. Intraoperative exploration uncovered a TGDC and intraoperative rapid pathology confirmed thyroglossal duct carcinoma. INTERVENTIONS: A Sistrunk operation and ipsilateral thyroidectomy were performed. OUTCOMES: Postoperative recovery was satisfactory. LESSONS: Thyroglossal duct carcinoma is a rare disease affecting the neck. Due to limited clinical cases and the favorable prognosis associated with this condition, there is currently no established set of diagnostic and treatment guidelines. According to tumor size, lymph node metastasis, thyroid status and other factors, the corresponding treatment methods were established for each stage of thyroglossal duct cancer, which laid the foundation for the subsequent treatment development of this disease.

Does thyroglossal duct arborization play a role in the post-surgical outcome of Sistrunk procedure in children?

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to analyze thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) histopathological features, with focus on "arborization", in a cohort of pediatric patients who underwent surgical removal, and evaluate a possible correlation with clinical recurrences. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent surgical resection for TGDC at the division of Pediatric Surgery of the University of Pisa from 2015 to 2020 was performed; for each patient, the following data were recorded: age, sex, clinical presentation, localization, size of the lesion, diagnostic tools, histopathological features, perioperative complications, recurrence and follow-up. RESULTS: With respect to arborization, following histopathological analysis 25/30 patients (83.3%) presented thyroglossal duct branching. After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, only 2 out of 30 patients (6.7%), one male and one female, respectively aged 4 y.o. and 6 y.o., presented recurrence within one year from first surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgery for TGDC remains a challenge for pediatric surgeons, while arborization was present in most of our cases which underwent surgery. With respect to the role of arborization, our study did not highlight sufficient conclusive data regarding their role in recurrence: instead, it showed wide resection as satisfactory, being the arborization present in most of the cases at histopathology.

Incidental finding of thyroglossal duct cyst in a neonate during endotracheal intubation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Thyroglossal Duct Cyst (TDC) is a common lesion of the midline neck, originating from an incomplete involution of the thyroglossal duct. It is typically observed in pre-scholar patients and surgery is the treatment of choice to prevent infections. Here reported a case of incidental diagnosis in a newborn patient. CASE PRESENTATION: a 3-week-old male baby was admitted to our hospital for weight loss and projectile vomits after breastfeeding. After a diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, the baby underwent pyloromyotomy. During the endotracheal tube placement, the anesthetist noticed the presence of a midline neck mass. The suspect of TDC was confirmed by an intraoperative ultrasound, so, despite the age of the patient, we proceeded with the excision of the lesion according to Sistrunk's procedure to avoid future complications and anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: even if TDC is a common lesion of pediatric patients, anecdotical neonatal cases were described in the literature, all of them symptomatic. An accurate physical examination and ultrasound are essential diagnostic tools to distinguish TDC from other middle neck lesions, particularly ectopic thyroidal tissue. Sistrunk's procedure is the most effective surgical approach. When diagnosis is made in a newborn, we suggest postponing surgery, unless the baby requires general anesthesia for other surgical procedures, such as in our case.

Endoscopy-Assisted Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Resection: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are a common congenital mass in the cervical region. As the traditional surgical approach for TGDC removal, the Sistrunk procedure, often leaves a visible neck scar, the demand for improved cosmetic outcomes has increased. Emerging endoscopy-assisted approaches offer promise for addressing cosmetic concerns. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate the feasibility and safety of endoscopy-assisted TGDC surgery. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from their respective inception dates to January 2023. Data on surgical approach, patient demographics, surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. RESULTS: The literature search yielded nine articles published between 2011 and 2022. Overall, 85 patients in these studies successfully underwent endoscopy-assisted TGDC surgery using various approaches, including areolar, axillo-breast, transoral-vestibular, and transoral-sublingual. The operative time varied across the studies, ranging from 50 to 480 min. TGDC sizes ranged from 1 to 3 cm in diameter. Complications, including infection, skin bruising, and dysarthria, were reported in seven patients (8%). No cases of conversion to open surgery or postoperative recurrences were reported. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy-assisted surgery is a potential alternative for patients seeking TGDC resection with satisfactory aesthetic results while ensuring safety. However, existing evidence is insufficient to support the superior effectiveness of endoscopy-assisted TGDC surgery over the traditional Sistrunk procedure. Laryngoscope, 134:3038-3043, 2024.

What is the annual risk of infection in congenital midline neck cysts in children? Thyroglossal duct cysts versus dermoid cysts.

INTRODUCTION: Midline neck lumps in children are mostly found to be thyroglossal duct cysts or dermoid cysts. Thyroglossal duct cysts often have an associated sinus tract which may connect all the way to the foramen caecum on the tongue, while dermoids have no such connection. This study aims to estimate the annual infection risk for midline neck cysts based on our patient series, and to see if this differs between thyroglossal duct cysts and dermoid cysts. METHODS: All children seen at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow who underwent surgical excision of a midline neck cyst between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2021 were identified. In those whose cyst had been infected prior to surgical excision, the age at which the first episode of infection occurred was recorded and used to calculate a survival curve. RESULTS: We identified 53 children (29 male, 24 female) aged 1-16 years (median 4) at the time of surgical excision. There were 26 thyroglossal and 24 dermoid cysts, plus 2 with indeterminate histology and 1 lymph node. Of the 24 dermoids, 4 suffered infection prior to surgery (17%), and 2 of these recurred after surgery (8%). Of the 26 thyroglossal cysts, 16 suffered infection prior to surgery (62%) and 5 of these recurred (19%). 78% of thyroglossal and dermoid cysts had at least 1 episode of infection by age 10 years. DISCUSSION: In a child with a congenital midline neck cyst that has never been infected, deferring surgery for a year comes with a 7.8% risk that the cyst will get infected.

Treatment of thyroglossal cyst using Koempel's technique: initial experience. / Tratamiento del quiste tirogloso mediante técnica de Koempel. Experiencia inicial.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of being inaccurate in terms of suprahyoid dissection, Sistrunk's procedure is the gold-standard technique in the treatment of thyroglossal cyst. Since it was first described in 2014, the modifications introduced by Koempel have allowed for a more reproducible suprahyoid approach. We present our initial experience with this technique. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with thyroglossal cyst undergoing Koempel's technique in our institution from 2021 to 2022 was carried out. Demographic, clinical, and histological data was collected. RESULTS: In the study period, 5 patients -3 girls and 2 boys- underwent surgery. Median age and weight were 5 years (2-6) and 16 kg (14-25), respectively. All patients had suffered from previous infections, with 60% having cutaneous fistulization. In 2 patients, surgery was indicated following Sistrunk's procedure as a result of recurrence. Median operating time was 77 minutes (57-110), with the genioglossal muscle plane being identified in the 5 patients. No immediate complications were recorded, and diagnosis of thyroglossal cyst was histologically confirmed in all cases. One of the formerly recurrent patients had recurrence following surgery, but it was subclinical and incidentally diagnosed at control ultrasonography. The remaining patients had no recurrences after a median 8-month (1-12) follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Koempel's technique allows for a safe and reproducible approach of the suprahyoid segment. It is an attractive option in complicated cases as a result of previous infection or recurrence.

INTRODUCCION: La intervención de Sistrunk es el gold-standard en el tratamiento del quiste tirogloso pese a su imprecisión en cuanto a la disección suprahioidea. Tras su descripción en 2014, las modificaciones introducidas por Koempel, han permitido un abordaje suprahioideo más reproducible. Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial con esta técnica. METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes con quiste tirogloso intervenidos mediante técnica de Koempel en nuestro centro en el periodo 2021-2022, recogiéndose datos demográficos, clínicos e histológicos. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se intervinieron 5 pacientes (3 mujeres/2 varones), con una mediana de edad y peso de 5 años (2-6) y 16 kg (14-25) respectivamente. Todos los casos habían sufrido infecciones previas presentando fistulización cutánea el 60%. En 2 de los pacientes se indicó la cirugía por recidiva tras intervención de Sistrunk. La mediana del tiempo quirúrgico fue de 77minutos (57-110) identificándose el plano del músculo geniogloso en los 5 pacientes. No hubo complicaciones inmediatas y el diagnóstico de quiste tirogloso se confirmó histológicamente en todos los casos. Uno de los pacientes del grupo con recidiva previa, presentó recidiva tras la intervención, siendo esta subclínica y diagnosticada incidentalmente tras ecografía de control. El resto de los pacientes no presentó ninguna recurrencia tras un seguimiento mediana de 8 meses (1-12). CONCLUSIONES: La técnica de Koempel permite un abordaje seguro y reproducible del segmento suprahioideo siendo una opción atractiva en casos complicados por infección o recidiva previa.

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Infection Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae: An Unusual Complication of Pharyngeal Gonorrhea.

ABSTRACT: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human obligate pathogen whose clinical expression of disease ranges from localized genital infection to involvement of extragenital sites such as the conjunctiva and throat. We describe the second case of a thyroglossal duct abscess due to N. gonorrhoeae, an uncommon complication of pharyngeal gonococcal infection. The fortuitous occurrence in the same individual of these 2 conditions that both exhibit an occult clinical presentation likely accounts for rarity of this infection. We discuss the pertinent gonococcal and host factors that underlie the clinical manifestations of this infection. A particular focus is the fundamental role that the binding of the gonococcal opacity-associated protein to the ubiquitous human carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule plays in the pathogenesis of pharyngeal gonorrhea.

Prevalence of thyroid gland tissue in midline neck dermoid cysts in children and a proposed new 'thyroglossal entrainment' hypothesis for their formation.

BACKGROUND: Thyroglossal duct cysts and dermoid cysts both commonly present as midline neck lumps in children. They are treated as separate entities with different embryological origins. There are isolated reports of thyroid gland tissue in a dermoid cyst, concurrent thyroglossal and dermoid cysts, and cysts with mixed histology. It is not known if these are rare or common. METHODS: All children undergoing excision of a congenital midline neck cyst between January 2017 and December 2022 were identified. Histopathology slides were reviewed in detail. RESULTS: In 53 children, there were 26 thyroglossal duct cysts, 24 dermoids, 1 lymph node and 2 with no diagnostic material identified. Five dermoids (28 per cent) had associated thyroid gland tissue, and 1 (4 per cent) had hybrid histology with keratinising and respiratory epithelium. Infection occurred in 17 per cent of dermoids prior to excision and 8 per cent of dermoids recurred after excision. CONCLUSION: Hybrid histology, infection and recurrence are all common in midline neck dermoids. A new theory for their embryological origin is proposed, with the suggestion that some may need more extensive surgery.

Ectopic Salivary Glands - a Differential Diagnosis to a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst.

Background: Midline developmental neck lesions primarily consist of thyroglossal duct remnants. Their recurrence is uncommon following thorough resection, which includes hyoid removal (the Sistrunk procedure). Case report: A 3-year-old girl presented with mucoid secretion drainage and swelling in the anterior mid-neck region, clinically resembling a thyroglossal duct remnant. Following an initial Sistrunk procedure, the lesion recurred, prompting a subsequent resection. Histological analysis revealed a mucocele alongside acinar and mucous ectopic salivary glands. Conclusions: The ectopic salivary gland can manifest along the midline of the neck and may clinically resemble the signs and symptoms of a thyroglossal duct cyst. Importantly, it can exhibit recurrence post-surgery, even following hyoid resection.

Retrospective comparison of endoscopic transoral and bilateral areolar approaches for thyroglossal cyst resection: a single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and clinical effect of the transoral approach and the bilateral areolar approach (BAA) for endoscopic thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) resection. METHODS: In total, 42 patients who received an endoscopic TGDC resection between January 2019 and May 2022 via a transoral (n = 22) or bilateral areolar (n = 20) approach by a single surgeon were retrospectively enrolled. We collected and compared the following data: patients' demographic data, complication events, operative time, bleeding volume, drainage volume, 6-h postoperative pain scores, length of hospitalisation, resected TGDC size, and cosmetic satisfaction. RESULTS: There were no cases of conversion to a transcervical approach in the two groups. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, complication, bleeding volume, 6-h postoperative pain scores, and TGDC size (all p > 0.05). However, the operative time and patients' cosmetic satisfaction were higher in the transoral group than in the BAA group (all p < 0.05). In addition, the drainage volume and length of hospitalisation in the transoral group were less than those in the BAA group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both the transoral approach and BAA are safe and reliable; however, the transoral approach is more complex than the BAA and offers better cosmetic satisfaction. Doctors should choose the appropriate surgical procedure based on the patient's condition and preferences.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Infants and Children <3 Years of Age With Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Complicated With a Parapharyngeal Mass: A Case Series Study.

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are congenital and developmental abnormalities in infants and young children. This retrospective case series study examined the characteristics of 7 patients <3 years (mean age, 1.9 years) with TGDC complicated with a parapharyngeal mass treated at one hospital between January 2019 and 2022. Four patients had a painless mass around the neck, 2 had a painless mass associated with snoring, and 1 presented repeated swelling and pain. B-ultrasound suggested 6 cases of TGDC and 1 possible lymphangioma. All patients were treated with Sistrunk surgery to remove the TGDC. Six patients had no cyst recurrence during follow-up (6 months to 2 years). In conclusion, TGDC complicated with a parapharyngeal mass has complex and variable clinical manifestations. Completely removing the cyst while sparing thyroid cartilage and surrounding vascular and neuroanatomical structures is important to avoid complications. The patients are likely to be free from recurrence after surgery.

[Thyroglossal duct cysts in adult : clinical and therapeutic features]. / Les kystes du tractus thyréoglosse de l'adulte : particularités cliniques et thérapeutiques.

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) are rare congenital cervical malformations in adults, which expose to two major risks: infection and malignant degeneration which remains the most dreaded complication in adults. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study aims to establish the clinical, management of TDC during adulthood, as well as the evolutionary aspects of these malformations in this age group. PATIENTS ET METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 61 adults over 18 years old, undergoing TDC surgery in our department. RESULTS: The average age was 33.7 years with a sex ratio M/F of 1.10.The circumstances of discovery were dominated by a median cervical swelling in 53 patients (86,9%). The swelling was median in 28 cases and located in ad-hyoid in 32 cases. Cervical ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of TDC in all patients. CT scans were performed on 15 patients. Surgical excision according to the Sistrunk method was performed on all patients. Three of our patients have experienced a degenerated TDC requiring total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection, followed by radioactive iodine therapy. CONCLUSION: CT scan keeps indications in adults. The treatment is surgical in order to prevent the risks degeneration, which is specific complication in adulthood.

Les kystes du tractus thyréoglosse (KTT) sont des malformations cervicales congénitales rares chez l'adulte, exposant à deux risques majeurs : l'infection et la dégénérescence maligne. Objectifs : Etablir les aspects cliniques, thérapeutiques et évolutifs des KTT chez l'adulte.Patients et méthodes : étude rétrospective à propos de 61 patients âgés de plus de 18 ans, opérés pour KTT dans notre département. Résultats : L'âge moyen était de 33,7 ans avec un sex ratio H/F de 1,10. Les circonstances de découverte étaient dominées par une tuméfaction cervicale médiane chez 53 patients (86,9 %). La tuméfaction était médiane dans 28 cas et siégeant en ad-hyoïdien dans 32 cas. L'échographie cervicale a confirmé le diagnostic de KTT chez tous les patients. Une TDM a été réalisée chez 15 patients. L'exérèse chirurgicale selon la méthode de Sistrunk a été pratiquée chez tous les patients. Trois patients ont présenté un KTT dégénéré nécessitant une thyroïdectomie totale et un curage central, suivis d'une irathérapie. Conclusion : La TDM garde des indications devant un KTT chez l'adulte. Le traitement est chirurgical afin d'éviter le risque de dégénérescence, complication spécifique à cette tranche d'âge.

Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst- A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Conundrum.

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) are the most common congenital midline neck mass. It accounts for 70% of congenital neck masses in children and 7% in the general population. Untreated, Thyroglossal duct cyst may transform into a thyroid carcinoma in less than 1% of cases. A 47 year old female patient presented with complaints of swelling on the anterior aspect of neck for 1 year which was progressively increasing in size. Smears from needle aspiration revealed features suspicious of Papillary carcinoma of thyroid which was confirmed as on histopathology. Thyroid gland and the adjacent lymph nodes were free of the tumour on Computed Tomography (CT). Thyroglossal duct cysts undergoing neoplastic change is more common among women. Though sistrunk's procedure is widely accepted as a primary management, the role of total thyroidectomy with radioiodine therapy still remains a controversy due to contrasting opinions available in the literature.

Congenital Neck Masses.

There are many possible causes of congenital neck masses, with the most common ones being thyroglossal duct cysts, branchial cleft anomalies, and vascular malformations. Most congenital neck masses are asymptomatic in the neonatal period, but depending on the location and the size, they can cause airway obstruction and serious complications at birth. Proper diagnosis is important for optimal treatment planning, and if the airway is compromised, multidisciplinary teamwork is critical for proper airway management. This review summarizes the clinical features, etiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of different types of congenital neck masses.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer in Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: A Pictorial Review and Case Series.

ABSTRACT: Thyroglossal duct cyst is the most common congenital neck mass, but the incidence of malignancy within a thyroglossal duct cyst is rare, estimated at 1%. Most cancers arising within thyroglossal duct cysts are incidentally detected after surgical excision. We present the preoperative radiologic findings of 8 patients with papillary thyroid cancer arising within a thyroglossal duct cyst, as evaluated on ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scan.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Double Thyroglossal Duct Cyst.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate clinical diagnostic and management characteristics of double thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) cases. Seventy-eight patients diagnosed with TDCs who were admitted to the inpatient ward of the Department of Otolaryngology, Dalian Central Municipal Hospital from June 2008 to October 2021 were included in the study. Ultimately, 67 of these patients were diagnosed with single TDCs and 11 patients with double TDCs. Each patient underwent computed tomography and color doppler ultrasound imaging of their neck masses, thyroid color doppler ultrasound imaging, and surgical cyst removal through the classic Sistrunk procedure. All surgically excised specimens were sent to the pathology lab for examination and were confirmed to contain TDCs. Two of the 67 patients with single TDCs experienced postoperative complications related to infections within the operative area, whereas no patients with double TDCs experienced postoperative infection, excessive bleeding, or other surgical complications. All cases were followed up for 1 to 3 years after surgery with no cyst recurrence observed. Double TDCs may present on physical examination as unilateral neck masses that interfere with tongue extension and movement and swallowing that can be identified using imaging methods. Correct clinical diagnosis and complete surgical removal of cysts are key measures for ensuring successful treatment outcomes for patients with TDCs.

[Clinical analysis of gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts].

Objective:This study aimed to explore the safety and feasibility of gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts. Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts at the Department of otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun yat-sen university from September 2020 to May 2022 were analyzed. The operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, postoperative pain score, postoperative aesthetic score, and recurrence were prospectively evaluated. Results:All patients completed the operation successfully and no case conversed to an open operation. The operation time was 104.00（95.00, 131.25） minutes, and the surgical blood loss was 15.00（10.00, 16.25） mL. The drainage volume was（59.71±9.20） mL. Postoperative pathology was consistent with thyroglossal duct cysts. There was no local reswelling, subcutaneous hematoma, emphysema, skin flap necrosis, infection and other complications. The postoperative hospital stay was 3.00（2.00, 3.00） days. Six patients had mild sensory abnormalities of the lower lip 3 months after surgery, and all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes. No recurrence was found during the 5-26 months follow-up. Conclusion:gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts is safe and feasible, with hidden postoperative scars and good cosmetic outcomes. It can provide a new choice for patients with thyroglossal duct cysts.