Thyroid Hemiagenesis With Goiter

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Goiter associated with aplasia of one thyroid lobe is rare, although data which would yield its true incidence is unavailable. Harada et al¹reported seven cases of thyroidal hemiagenesis and reviewed the literature on this subject. They emphasized that the entity is only discovered when the existing lobe contains symptomatic pathology, and that accurate diagnosis usually requires surgical exploration. We have treated a patient in whom the existence of hemiagenesis was not appreciated until surgery was performed. This led to confusion in diagnosis that could have been avoided had the possibility of aplasia been recognized. <h3>Report of a Case.—</h3> A 52-year-old white woman complained of "tiredness" in her neck. During a ten-month period, she was unsuccessfully treated due to several erroneous diagnoses, including globus hystericus, bursitis, and cervical osteoarthritis. Although she had no true dysphagia, the cervical discomfort was aggravated by swallowing. An esophagram performed on