Thyroid thyrothymic extension: An anatomic study in a surgical series. Issue 5 (26th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sheahan, Patrick; O'Duffy, Fergal
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 38:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 732
• Page End: 735
• Publication Date: 2015-05-26
• Subjects: thyrothymic -- thyroid -- thymus -- parathyroid -- anatomy; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.23954
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: The thyrothymic extension (TTE) is a variable projection from the inferior thyroid pole along the course of the thyrothymic ligament. Awareness of the TTE is critical to ensure complete total thyroidectomy. However, there is little mention of the TTE in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the frequency of the TTE in our surgical series. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 284 thyroid and parathyroid surgeries performed by a single surgeon. Results: A TTE was present in 138 of 414 evaluable thyroid lobes (33.3%), with no predilection for left or right. The TTE was bilateral in 57% of cases. In 5 cases, there was significant nodular enlargement of the TTE. The inferior parathyroid gland was closely associated with 8% of TTEs. Conclusion: The TTE is a commonly encountered projection from the inferior thyroid pole. Awareness of the TTE is important to ensure complete total thyroidectomy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 732–735, 2016