Ultrasonographic appearance in children with thyroglossal cyst and thyroglossal fistula / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the ultrasonographic appearance of thyroglossal duct cysts and thyroglossal duct ifstula, and disicuss the value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cysts and thyroglossal duct ifstula. Methods Totally 142 cases of surgically and pathologically conifrmed thyroglossal duct cysts and thyroglossal duct ifstula cases in Beijing Children′s Hospital Afifliated to Capital Medical University from 2005 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed and the ultrasonographic characteristics were analyzed. Results Among 142 cases, 128 cases of thyroglossal duct cyst were diagnosed by ultrasound. The ultrasonographic manifestation generally presented as anechoic and uneven medium echo cystic masses, with posteria wall echo enhancement. Most of the cyst walls were thin, and close to the thyoid, with or without deep ifstula. If the cysts were associated with infection, the wall would be thickening and echo enhancement of the surrounding soft tissue could be seen. Cysts ranged from the root of tongue to the suprasternal fossa, mostly in midline level of the neck. Of all the 128 cases, 95 cases were single cyst, round in shape; 33 cases had irregular shape with a fistula extended deeply, 13 cysts extended to the hyoid trailing edge, 20 cases extended to the mouth lfoor. Ultrasound examination revealed ifstulas in 10 cases, which presented as a hypoechoic thin strip-like echo inside the neck soft tissue, 6 cases extended to the hyoid bone direction, 2 cases extended to the mouthlfoor, 2 cases extended to the front thyroid. The other 4 cases showed anterior hypoechoic area, without cyst or ifstula structure. Conclusions Ultrasound is valuable in detcting the size, position, internal echo of the cyst and sinus, as well as showing their relationship with the hyoid. It is an optimal choice for the diagnosis of thyroglossal cyst and thyroglossal ifstula.