Thyroglossal duct cyst imaging: thyroid scintigraphy versus ultrasound

The two imaging modalities most frequently used in thyroglossal duct cyst [TDC] are thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasound. The imaging is mainly used to exclude the cyst from being the only functioning ectopic thyroid tissue. The main objective of this study is to compare the results of scintigraphy and ultrasound. A total of 56 patients referred to the National Cancer Institute [NCI], University of Gezira in the period from Jan 2007 to Dec 2009 were included in this study, 30 females and 26 males patients; with median of 12.5 years. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Both thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasound reached the same imaging findings i.e. 53 patients with TDC and 3 patients with ectopic thyroid tissues. The Fisher exact test revealed no significant difference between the two modalities final results [P- value = 1]. In addition, Pearson correlation showed complete correlation between the final ultrasound and scintigraphy results [R2 = 1, P-value < 0.0001]. Furthermore, ultrasound has provided detailed cyst characterization. Both modalities revealed almost identical results. Ultrasound has the additional advantages of being non-ionizing radiation and accurately localizes and characterizes the TDC

Pattern of thyroid diseases in central Sudan: nuclear medicine perspective

Thyroid scintigraphy using Tc-99m pertechnetate is a frequently performed procedure in routine nuclear medicine practice in addition to thyroid hormonal assay by radioimmunoassay [RIA]. There is no clear description of thyroid diseases pattern in Sudan using nuclear medicine as a diagnostic tool. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the pattern of thyroid diseases using the nuclear medicine facilities in our institute during a period [2001-2003]. All patients referred to the department of nuclear medicine for thyroid scan from January 2001 to December 2003 were included in this study and the thyroid function test when available. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. A total of 2070 patients were referred to the department and only 1605 [77.5%] have thyroid function test results available for scan reporting. Female to male ratio is 9:1. The mean age is 34 +/- 13.36 [1-86 years old]. The most common pattern is simple multinodular goiter 784 [37.8%] and the second is solitary thyroid nodule 506 [24.4%], followed by simple diffuse goiter 415 [20%]. From a total of 1605 thyroid function test results, 1377 patients [85.8%] were euthyroid, 168 [10.5%] were having hyperthyroidism while only 60 [3.7%] were having hypothyroidism. The vast majority of patients in this study were young females with simple goiter and normal radionuclide uptake. No more information gained particularly when the patient is known clinically and biochemically to have a simple goiter. A solitary cold nodule is also common

Polyorchidism: case report and literature review

Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly frequently associated with maldescent testis, hernia, and torsion. Reports in the literature show an increased risk of testicular malignancy in the presence of polyorchidism. This entity has characteristic sonographic features and the diagnosis is often made on the basis of sonography. A conservative approach is the treatment of choice in uncomplicated cases. We report a male of 26-years old with 2 testicles in right side diagnosed by ultrasound. A brief history and review of the literature is also presented