Study of a Unique 'Inverted U' Shaped Thyroid Gland and Its Clinical Importance

Abstract

Thyroid anomalies are not uncommon. Two lobes are usually connected by isthmus at the level of 2-4 tracheal rings. We encountered a unique variation in which thyroid lobes were connected near upper pole by an isthmus at the level above the cricoid cartilage giving an 'inverted U' shape to the thyroid gland. Such unusual variation in thyroid gland has not been reported earlier in the literature. The sound knowledge of such variation should be important to the surgeon while operating on thyroid. © 2013 Association of Otolaryngologists of India.