Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDC) classically present as midline neck masses in close relation to the hyoid bone; yet—not uncommonly—their locations may be varied from the midline and from the hyoid. By means of the diagnostic modality of computed tomography (CT), high-resolution images of several cases of alternate presentations and locations of the TDC are examined. Included are examples of TDC in the suprahyoid, transhyoid, infrahyoid, and lateral positions. The potential value of CT in the diagnosis of the unusual cyst will be demonstrated and discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
. AreyLB: Developmental anatomy, ed 5. Philadelphia, 1946, W.B. Saunders, p 215.
2.
. LangmanJ: Medical embryology, ed 3. Baltimore, 1981, Williams & Wilkins, pp 280–281.
3.
. DaviesJ: Embryology and anatomy of the head and neck in otolaryngology, ed 2. PaparellaMMShumrickDA, editors: Otolaryngology. Philadelphia, 1980, W.B. Saunders, pp 81–82.
4.
. RoodMJohnsonJTLipmanSPMyersEN: Diagnosis and management of congenital head and neck masses. Self Instruction Package. CME of AAO-HNS. Washington, D. C., 1981, American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, pp 28–34.
5.
. SimpsonGIIII: The evaluation and management of neck masses of unknown etiology. Otolaryngol Clin North Am13: 489–498, 1980.
6.
. WardPStrahanRAcquarelliMHarrisP: The many faces of cysts of the thyroglossal duct. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg74: 310–318, 1970.
7.
. HawkinsDBJacobsenBEKlattEC: Cysts of the thyroglossal duct cysts. Laryngoscope92: 1254–1258, 1982.
8.
. ObiakoMN: The Sistrunk operation for treatment of thyroglossal cysts and sinuses. Ear Nose Thorat J64: 196–201, 1985.
9.
. BaarsmaEAHordickGJ: Thyroglossal cysts and fistulae. Ear Nose Throat J63: 289–291, 1984.
10.
. MancusoAAHanafeeWN: Computed tomography of the head and neck. Baltimore, 1981, Williams & Wilkins, pp 169–240.
11.
. ByrdSRichardsonMGillGLeeA: Computer tomographic appearance of branchial cleft and thyroglossal duct cysts of the necks. Diagn Imag Clin Med52: 301–312, 1983.
12.
. SistrunkWE: Techniques of removal of cysts and sinuses of the thyroglossal duct. Surg Gynecol Obstet46: 109–112, 1928.
13.
. AllardR: The thyroglossal duct cyst. Head Neck Surg5: 134–146, 1982.