Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41553978›Full record

ArticleThe American journal of case reports2026

Delayed Diagnosis of Ectopic Thyroid Due to Ignored Borderline Result of Newborn Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism.

Ibrahim Al Alwan, Kawther Ibrahim Alhawsawi

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in The American journal of case reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Ibrahim Al AlwanDepartment of Pediatric Endocrinology, King Abdullah Specialised Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Kawther Ibrahim AlhawsawiCollege of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism is a critical public health measure for early detection and intervention, but borderline results can contribute to diagnostic delays. This case describes a patient with lingual thyroid-related congenital hypothyroidism whose diagnosis was delayed despite a borderline newborn screening result. CASE REPORT A girl first evaluated at age 8 presented with a history of constipation and cold intolerance since age 5, along with recent poor concentration in school. She had no history of fatigue, hair loss, throat fullness, or difficulty swallowing. Physical examination revealed normal vital signs and growth, but no thyroid gland was present in her neck. A 3×5 cm red, well-vascularized mass was identified at the base of her tongue, which moved during swallowing. Thyroid function tests showed elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (13.87 mIU/L, reference range: 0.35-4.94 mIU/L) and low free thyroxine (8.43 pmol/L, reference range: 9.00-19.00 pmol/L), confirming hypothyroidism. Review of her newborn screening results revealed a borderline thyroid-stimulating hormone level (43.647 mIU/L, borderline reference range: 30-60 mIU/L) and normal free thyroxine (13.7 pmol/L). An isotope thyroid scan confirmed a lingual thyroid. Her symptoms improved after initiation of levothyroxine therapy, and she has continued endocrine follow-up through age 15. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the importance of a thorough oropharyngeal and neck examination in patients with a history of borderline newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism. Early detection of an ectopic thyroid gland is essential for anticipating and preventing future thyroid decompensation, thereby ensuring timely treatment and improved long-term outcomes.

Indexed as

Congenital HypothyroidismDelayed DiagnosisLingual ThyroidNeonatal ScreeningThyroid DysgenesisChildFemaleHumansInfant, Newborn

Identifiers

PMID41553978
PMCPMC12833990

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