Thyroid Toxic Adenoma in a Child: A Case Report

• Main Authors: Joana Lorenzo, Inês Pires Duro, Graça Araújo, Joana Freitas, Teresa Borges, Maria João Oliveira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Portuguesa de Pediatria 2021-02-01
• Series: Portuguese Journal of Pediatrics
• Online Access: https://pjp.spp.pt//article/view/20258

Thyroid nodules are rare in pediatric age, with a prevalence of around 2%. Its approach should include assessment of thyroid function and a cervical ultrasound. Toxic adenoma presents as a hyperfunctioning autonomous nodule. We report the case of a 5-year-old child with an autism spectrum disorder, in which the diagnosis of toxic adenoma was made after investigation of a visible palpable cervical nodule. Thyroid function showed diminished thyroid-stimulating hormone and increased free T3 and T4 levels. Cervical ultrasound revealed a hyperechogenic solid nodule in the thyroid right lobe, with a hypoechogenic halo, compatible with an adenoma; the thyroid scintigraphy confirmed its hyperfunctioning nature. The therapeutic approach included a beta-blocker and a thionamide, followed by surgical intervention, with normalization of thyroid function.