Diagnosis of ectopic thyroid glands in pancreas: a case report and imaging insights

Background Ectopic thyroid (ET) is a rare developmental disorder, the detection of abdominal ET is often an accidental event. As there are few reports of ET in the pancreas, detailed imaging findings of ET in pancreas have not been described. Thus, we described a case of ET in the pancreas and reviewed all the reported cases of ET in the abdomen. We also summarized the imaging features, prevalence of ET in the pancreas, which may be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment. Case summary We present a case of ET in the pancreas, including orthotopic thyroid goiter. A 68-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain for half a year. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound gastroscopy revealed a cystic and solid mass measuring 41 mm×33 mm×32 mm in the head of the pancreas, with clear margins and patchy calcifications, providing initial evidence of a pancreatic neuroendocrine or solid pseudopapillary tumour. The mass was surgically removed and histological examination confirmed an ectopic multinodular goiter. To date, the patient has had no complaints or symptoms but normal thyroid hormone levels at 12 months follow-up. Conclusion Because ET in the pancreas is rare, preoperative diagnosis is difficult. This is the first report to summarise the imaging features of pancreatic ET. It is important to use a multimodal diagnostic system when necessary to increase diagnostic accuracy, and cystic degeneration and internal calcifications may be helpful in the diagnosis.