Preliminary Diagnosis: Thyroglossal duct cyst
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
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CT soft tissue neck with IV contrast.
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cyst.
Advantages
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Relatively inexpensive, fast imaging modality.
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Highly specific and sensitive for detecting and diagnosing a thyroglossal duct cyst.
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Can track the entire course of the thyroglossal duct cyst.
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Disadvantages
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Exposes a patient to ionizing radiation.
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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May be contraindicated in pregnant patients.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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MR of the neck with IV contrast
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cyst.
MR of the neck with IV contrast
Advantages
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May help fine tune a differential diagnosis.
Disadvantages
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Expensive
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Time-consuming
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May be subject to dental hardware and motion artifact.
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
MR of the neck with IV contrast
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Contraindicated in patients with non-MR compatible hardware.
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