Thyroid isthmus agenesis: An uncommon yet clinically relevant entity

Abstract

The thyroid, a crucial endocrine gland composed of two lobes connected by isthmus tissue, rarely exhibits isthmus agenesis or hypoplasia, conditions scarcely documented in medical literature. This discussion centers on a 54-year-old female patient whose incidental discovery of isthmus agenesis occurred during surgery for a multinodular goiter. Identification of isthmus abnormalities prompts thorough consideration of potential associated anomalies, including hypoplasia, absence of a thyroid lobe and the presence of ectopic thyroid tissue. Increased awareness of potential isthmus agenesis or hypoplasia and associated thyroid anomalies among patients scheduled for thyroid surgery is essential for improving procedural safety and reducing the risk of complications related to surgery.