Thyroglossal Duct Abnormalities

Case A: A hyperintense cystic structure lying within the root of the tongue is incidentally noted on sagittal and axial T2-weighted images of the cervical spine. No mass effect, mural nodularity, or surrounding inflammatory change is noted.

Case B: Axial and coronal noncontrast CT. A midline lingual lesion lies at the expected locale of the foramen cecum and involves the midline tongue base, extends inferiorly to but not into the vallecula, and spares the hyoepiglottic ligament. A second right paramedian mass consistent with ectopic thyroid abuts the right aspect of the hyoid body superiorly, descends exolaryngeally along the anteromedial margin of the right thyroid lamina, splays the right sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles, and does not significantly compromise the airway. No normal orthotopic thyroid tissue is seen.

Case C: Sagittal and coronal T1-weighted and axial T2-weighted images demonstrate an isointense mass on both T1- and T2-weighted sequences that protrudes from the root of the tongue posteriorly into the vallecular recess and narrows the oropharynx. No orthotopic thyroid tissue is seen.