Thoracic Intrathymic Thyroid:

Objective The authors introduce thoracic intrathymic thyroid as a clinical entity. Summary Background Data Although accessory aberrant thyroid has not been found in other tissues in the mediastinum, a thoracic intrathymic location has not been described previously. It is believed that mediastinal thyroid tissue represents accessory ectopic tissue from the median thyroid anlage. Moreover, the close association oi the thymus and thyroid supports the theory that mediastinal ectopic thyroid tissue develops from abnormal descent of these structures during embryogenesis. Methods Benign thoracic intrathymic thyroid lesions are described in patients with mediastinal masses. Conclusion Thoracic intrathymic thyroid is a distinct entity. Its occurrence is supported both clinically and embryologically.