Abstract
Objective: The relationship between radioactive iodine therapy (RIT) and prevalence of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) on ultrasonography (US) has not been reported. We assessed the prevalence and US features of TGDC according to RIT.Methods: From July 2017 to June 2018, 3,146 subjects underwent thyroid or neck US at our center. The presence or absence of TGDCs was prospectively investigated based on real-time US examination. Among the 3,146 subjects, 261 subjects were excluded because of <18 years of age, unclear information of RIT, or the presence of a radiation therapy history to the neck. Eventually, 2,885 subjects were included in this study.Results: Of the 2,885 subjects finally included, 126 (4.4%) showed a TGDC on US. Those with RIT history showed a higher prevalence of TGDCs than those without (no statistical difference, p = 0.062). In 697 male subjects, there were statistical differences in type of surgery, RIT history, and session number of RIT between those with or without TGDCs (p < 0.0001). In 126 subjects with TGDCs, only sex showed a significant difference between those with or without RIT history (p = 0.015). However, there were no significant differences in the location, size, and shape of TGDCs (p > 0.05). The common US features of TGDC were suprahyoid location, ~1 centimeter, and flat-to-ovoid or round shape.Conclusions: RIT may increase the prevalence of TGDCs, particularly in men.
Highlights
Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are the most common congenital neck mass, usually found centrally, and account for 70% of congenital neck anomalies [1]
Of the 2,885 subjects included, 126 (4.4%) showed a TGDC on US. Those with radioactive iodine therapy (RIT) history showed a higher prevalence of TGDCs than those without
RIT may increase the prevalence of TGDCs, in men
Summary
Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are the most common congenital neck mass, usually found centrally, and account for 70% of congenital neck anomalies [1]. Failure of involution and atrophy results in persistence of a thyroglossal duct remnant [1]. If any portion of the thyroglossal duct persists, secretions from the epithelial lining may give rise to cystic lesions—TGDCs—sized from 0.5 cm to 6 cm in diameter, with most being between 1.5 cm and 3 cm [1]. One study reported that asymptomatic enlargement of preexisting TGDCs can occur after radiation therapy to the neck, in head and neck cancer patients [4]. These authors proposed that inflammation associated with radiation therapy may result in secretory stimulation and/or obstruction of the thyroglossal duct remnant
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