Multinodular goiter in children.

Abstract

As multinodular goiter (MNG) is an uncommon pediatric disorder, we decided to evaluate the children with this diagnosis at our center to try to delineate better its etiology, the risk of malignancy and appropriate management strategies. Eighteen patients (12 girls and 6 boys) were the subject of this retrospective review spanning a period of 20 years. All were previously well, except one, and none had had head or neck irradiation. Average age at diagnosis was 12.8 years. Four children belonged to two previously identified kindreds diagnosed with familial MNG. These families had members affected with multiple cases of non-medullary thyroid carcinoma (NMTC). All were euthyroid and had no symptoms. In eight of 18 patients, the clinical examination missed the presence of multiple nodules which were subsequently detected by ultrasound. Twelve patients had tissue diagnosis by fine needle aspirate cytology (FNAC) or surgery. Five of eight patients undergoing surgery had nodular hyperplasia, one had a follicular adenoma and one had a normal thyroid gland on histology. There was one patient with papillary carcinoma combined with nodular hyperplasia. Seven of the patients had evidence of antithyroid autoimmunity. The etiology of pediatric MNG appears multifactorial including autoimmune and familial factors. We believe that previously healthy children can usually be managed conservatively. Ultrasound at the time of diagnosis and in follow up seems beneficial. Familial forms appear to warrant close follow up, given the apparent increased risk of malignancy. The risk of malignancy while low remains real.