Sonographic features and clinical significance of the complications of the thyroglossal cysts / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE To assess the ultrasonographic features and clinical significance of the complications of the thyroglossal cysts. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the ultrasonographic findings in 41 cases with complications of the thyroglossal cyst, which was confirmed surgically and pathologically. 43 cases with simple thyroglossal cyst consisted of the control group. The location, size, internal echo, internal septa, wall thickness, posterior acoustic feature, boundary, vascularity, and fistulas of the lesion were analyzed and compared with the control group. RESULTS Most of the inflammatory thyroglossal cyst showed thickening walls, indistinct boundaries, posterior echo enhancement, and peripheral vascularity on ultrasound images. There were significant differences of the thickness of the cyst wall, indistinct boundary, and peripheral vascularity between the two groups. CONCLUSION The characteristic findings of thyroglossal cyst with inflammation are thickened wall, indistinct boundary, and peripheral vascularities. Ultrasonography can be useful tool in determination of the appropriate time of the operation to reduce the recurrence rate.