Anatomical study of thyroid pyramidal lobe among thyroidectomy patients in east Gezira, Sudan

Introduction: The thyroid pyramidal lobe (PL) is a remnant of the thyroglossal duct and is considered as normal component of the thyroid gland and may be affected by the diseases that affect the rest of the thyroid parenchyma. A practicing endocrine surgeon should keep the anatomical variations of the pyramidal lobe in mind to achieve a completely total thyroidectomy, when indicated. Aim: Our aim is to study the presence and anatomical features of the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland in the patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Methods: This analytical cross sectional, hospital-based study was carried in Ruffaa teaching hospital. Including patients who underwent thyroidectomy during the period (January 2023 – December 2023) were selected to participate after they giving an informed consent. Data was entered and analysed. Result: Seventy-six thyroidectomies were done, 94.6% of patients were female. Pyramidal lobe was found in 34.2% of patients, and it was originated commonly from the midline isthmus in 90.0%. The vast majority of patients (65.8%) were presented by symptoms and signs of neck swelling. Significant correlation was found between the presence of the pyramidal lobe and the coexistence of other thyroid congenital anomalies e.g. Retrosternal goiter and thyroid ima artery (p = .000) while no correlation was found to age and gender. Conclusions: The presence of the pyramidal lobe is common in people of East Gezira and it is generally arising from the isthmus and tidily associated with compression symptoms.