Abstract
Introduction
Lingual thyroid is a rare embryological abnormality that occurs as a result of failed descent of the thyroid gland.
Case report
We report the case of a 39-year-old male with an incidental finding of a lingual thyroid during intubation for surgery for lower limb fractures. A sleep study indicated an RDI of 38.6, consistent with severe sleep apnoea. The ectopic thyroid was excised via a suprahyoid approach, with resolution of apnoeic symptoms post-operatively. A follow-up sleep study subsequent to his operation confirmed an RDI of 3.7.
Conclusion
This is the first time a lingual thyroid causing sleep apnoea has been studied with pre- and post-treatment sleep studies. This is also the first recorded instance of lingual thyroid causing sleep apnoea has been recorded in a male.
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Peters, P., Stark, P., Essig, G. et al. Lingual thyroid: an unusual and surgically curable cause of sleep apnoea in a male. Sleep Breath 14, 377–380 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-010-0351-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-010-0351-6