Triple thyroglossal duct cysts in an adult: a rare case report and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction. Thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) is the most common cause of congenital neck mass. These can present anywhere from foramen caecum to mediastinum. Usually presents as a solitary cyst, the double thyroglossal cyst is very rare and a triple thyroglossal cyst has never been reported. Aim. Herein, we report an atypical case of triple thyroglossal cyst, at levels of hyoid, thyrohyoid membrane and thyroid isthmus managed surgically without any complication. Description of the case. We are presenting case of a 48-year-old female who presented to us with the complaint of anterior neck swelling since birth. On work up it was diagnosed as a case of the thyroglossal duct cyst and was intraoperatively found to have 3 distinct cystic swellings connected to a common stalk lying beneath the hyoid. It was successfully treated by modified Sistrunk’s procedure. There was no evidence of recurrence on follow up for 6 months. Considering atypical presentations, there are 9 cases reported with the double thyroglossal duct cyst, TDC within the thyroid gland and sublingual TDC. Such presentations make the diagnosis more challenging, leading to improper treatment. Conclusion. We are presenting this case as there is no case reported in English literature with a triple thyroglossal duct cyst. An awareness that thyroglossal cyst can present as multiple cysts is important for clinician in order to perform correct surgical management and to avoid the most feared complication of recurrence.