Work

Endoscopic Ultrasound–Guided Diagnosis of Mediastinal Ectopic Thyroid in a High‐Risk Elderly Male

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ectopic thyroid tissue (ETT) is a rare condition that predominantly affects women, often during periods of hormonal stimulation. Mediastinal involvement is even more uncommon. We present a case of ETT in a male patient with atypical demographics and a history of renal cell carcinoma, presenting as a large mediastinal mass measuring 6.0 × 4.6 × 4.5 cm. The mass had been slowly enlarging over 14 years without prior tissue diagnosis and was compressing the esophagus. Due to high surgical risk, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine‐needle biopsy (FNB) was performed, revealing benign thyroid tissue. No further intervention was required. Twelve‐month follow‐up imaging confirmed lesion stability. This case underscores the importance of including mediastinal ETT in the differential diagnosis of thoracic masses and highlights the utility of EUS–FNB as a safe and minimally invasive diagnostic tool for establishing a definitive diagnosis, particularly valuable in elderly or high‐risk patients. It also reinforces the expanding role of gastroenterologists in thoracic diagnostics using EUS.

Source: Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine

DOI: 10.1155/crgm/9551771

Authors: Dimo Dimitrov, Jad Mitri, Arpit Jain, Virginia Litle, Sandeep Krishnan

Institution: Boston Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Anomalies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $790