Evaluation of thyroid Zuckerkandl tubercle by computed tomography.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the incidence of thyroid Zuckerkandl Tubercle (ZT) using a computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck with contrast to identify the typologies in ZT-positive CT scans, investigate the presence of nodules located in that area, and compare the results with the relevant literature.

METHODS

We selected and retrospectively examined the CT scan images of patients who presented to our clinic with CT scans of the neck with contrast that clearly showed thyroid tissue and boundaries. Patients were evaluated based on age, gender, and presence of thyroid ZT. Patients with thyroid ZT were further investigated for localization and type of tubercles as well as for presence of nodules at the tubercle level.

RESULTS

A total of 1000 patients (mean age: 48.4 ± 19.1) were included in the study. Out of the total 222 (22.2%) patients who had thyroid ZT, 134 (60.4%) patients had unilateral thyroid ZT on the right side and 29 (13.1%) patients had unilateral thyroid ZT on the left side; 59 (26.6%) patients had bilateral thyroid ZT. In addition, nodules at the ZT level were observed in 13 (1.3%) of the patients. A review of all cases with ZTs indicated that 63% were Type 1, 31% were Type 2, and 5% were Type 3.

CONCLUSION

During the thyroid operations, ZT is essential for locating the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Reporting the presence of ZTs based on CT scans is crucial because it can prevent unnecessary interventional procedures, misdiagnoses, and likely complications in patients with planned thyroid operations.