Ectopic thyroid with thyrotoxicosis: Rare presentation of lingual thyroid in child

Lingual thyroid is a rare anomaly exact pathogenesis of which is not known. It is a common presentation of ectopic thyroid. Occurs in about 1 in 100,000 populations. It’s common in females, but very rare in children. Usually associated with euthyroid or hypothyroid condition. Association with thyrotoxicosis is rare. Dysphagia and dysphonia are common symptoms with which patient presents.

INTRODUCTION : Lingual thyroid occurs due to failure of the thyroid gland to descend to its normal position, during embryogenesis. In this condition, ectopic thyroid gland is located at the base of the tongue. Thyroid descends from foramen caecum and reaches its final position in front of the trachea at base of neck by 7th week. Ectopic thyroid tissue may occur anywhere in this tract at the time of descent. Lingual thyroid is the most common ectopic site of thyroid gland. Most of the times, it is asymptomatic. It’s commonly associated with hypothyroidism. Association with thyrotoxicosis is rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature.

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