Kang Young Lee MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Hyun-Sook Hong MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eun Hye Lee MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hae-Kyung Lee MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yong-Wha Lee, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eun Suk Koh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To retrospectively review the clinical and imaging features of pediatric thyroid cancer, the status of BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid cancer(PTC), and to analyze the ultrasound(US) and CT findings.

The medical records and imaging features were reviewed in 14 patients under 18 years of age.

There were four boys and 10 girls, with an age range from six to 18(mean age, 15.4 years old). The presenting symptoms included palpable neck mass(n=12), vocal cord palsy(n=1), and incidental finding(n=1). PTC was found in 12(85.7%), and follicular thyroid cancer(FTC) in two (16.7%). Ten of the 14 patients had higher T staging; T3(6;42.9%), T4(4;28.6%), metastatic lymphadenopathy(n=8;57.1%), and lung metastasis(n =1;7.1%). BRAF mutations were detected in four of 11 PTC(36.4%) patients. Goitrous enlargement with calcifiations(n =2) or nodules(n =8); six nodules showed atypical features on US. Twelve of thirteen nodules had a low density on enhanced CT scan, ranging from 62 to 406%(mean: 158.2%) of enhancement.

Pediatric thyroid cancer tends to present with a higher T stage and metastatic lymphadenopathy. BRAF mutations were detected in 36.4%, which is a lower frequency than is found in adults. The US findings showed enlarged glands with calcifications or nodules. Low density nodules were frequently seen(92.3%) on enhanced CT scans.

The US findings of thyroid cancer in children showed nodules or enlarged glands with calcifications and low density nodules were frequently seen(92.3%) on enhanced CT scans.

Lee, K, Hong, H, Lee, E, Lee, H, Lee, Y, Koh, E, Imaging and Clinical Features of Thyroid Cancer in Children and Adolescents.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9000459.html