A thyroid mass in the posterior mediastinum: a rare clinical case
Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2023, 17(4), 68-70.
V. Aleksiev1,4, A. Chapkunov2,4, B.Yavorov1,4, H. Stoev 1,6, G. Kostov2,5, F. Shterev3,4, Z. Vazhev1,4
1 Department of Cardiovascular Surgery – Plovdiv
2 Department of Special Surgery – Plovdiv
3 First Department of Internal Diseases, Section of Pneumology and Phthisiatrics – Plovdiv
4 Thoracic Surgery Clinic, UMHAT Kaspela – Plovdiv
5 General Surgery Clinic, UMHAT Kaspela – Plovdiv
6 Department of Cardiology with Invasive Cardiology, UMHAT Pulmed – Plovdiv
Abstract. The mediastinum is the space, confined by the sternum, spinal column and the visceral surface of the pleura. Masses, located in the posterior mediastinum comprise about 20% of all mediastinal tumors with ectopic thyroid tissue (ETT), responsible for just 1%. ETT originates as a result of a compromised embryogenesis, where thyroid tissue develops in an unusual location, along the path of migration of the gland through the thyroglossal duct. This pathology can be observed when iatrogenic implantation occurs during surgery, or as a component of a teratoma. Treatment in types of tumors is almost always surgical, involving the operative removal of the mass. Recent studies have shown that the benefit to risk ratio is always in favor of the operative removal of the mass, which in most cases is followed by little to no complications. Thorough imaging studies are a must, with computed tomography and contrast enhancement being the most informative and scintigraphy imaging with Technecium 99m being recommended when evaluating the hormonal activity of the ectopic thyroid parenchyma.
Key words: ectopic thyroid, mediastinal tumor, posterior mediastinum
Address for correspondence: Vladimir Aleksiev, MD, e-mail: vl_alex@abv.bg