ULTRASOUND IMAGING OF THYROGLOSSAL CYSTS OF THE NECK TO THE HYOID BONE

Background: The present study attempted to clarify the typical anatomical variants of Thyroglossal cysts (TGC). Patients and methods: Clinically and epidemiologically 67 previously non-experienced patients with TGC 1.5 to 73.0 years old were examined. Results: Based on clinical and ultrasound examinations of 121 patients with 67 thyroglossal cysts, the most typical cyst of anatomical variations was specified. It was noted that, concerning the hyoid bone, thyroglossal cysts may be suprahyoid (located at the root of the tongue), parahyoid (broadly adjoining the hyoid), prelingual (located in the front of the hyoid in the hypo lingual region), postlingual (located behind the hyoid bone in the prenatal and peri-laryngeal spaces), or sublingual (located the book from the hyoid bone). An ultrasound examination facilitated the identification of thyroglossal cysts without clinical manifestations (23 sublingual cysts among 37 [62.2%] were incidentally revealed by the ultrasound examina- tion), which is important when selecting the most appropriate surgical treatment. Conclusion: Ultrasound studies facilitate the identification of TGCs located at the root of the tongue without any clinical manifestations, which is important when determining the degree of surgical treatment to perform.