English

Abstract

The Literature is replete with wide range of common and rare variations of thyroid gland. The presence of pyramidal lobe (accessory lobe) - a rostral directed stalk that results from the retention and growth of the caudal end of thyroglossal duct and fibrous or fibromuscular levator glandulae thyroidea (LGT) arising from its apex are commonly occurring variations . A 50 yrs Old Male Cadaver showed levator glandulae thyroidea with cranio caudal extension from the body of the hyoid bone to the apex of pyramidal lobe which was projecting upwards from the left ¾ th of isthmus without any encroachment on the left lobe of the thyroid gland. In the groove clearly demarcating pyramidal lobe from the left lobe, a glandular branch of anterior branch of left superior thyroid artery was seen. It entered the pyramidal lobe inferiorly, just above the lower border of the isthmus. Just adjacent to the right lobe a small portion of isthmus with prominent and free upper border and lower border is seen. Due its frequent presence it may not be fascinating to the Anatomists but can definitely challenge the skill of operating neck surgeons performing thyroidectomies, lobectomies and isthmusectomies and Otolaryngologists performing tracheostomies ,tracheotomies and laryngotomies. The wide range of variations in the number, size, extent and consistency of the levator glandulae thyroidea (LGT) and pyramidal lobe necessitate the pre operative ultrasonographic examination or scintigraphical images or intense contrast enhancement on CT/MRI scan for total anatomical details enabling relatively a safer