Thyroglossal duct cysts in children: Sonographic features every radiologist should know and their histopathological correlation

Distinguishing between thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) and dermoid cysts (DC) sonographically can be challenging. We illustrate the three sonographic features in neck masses in children recently identified as being most suggestive of TGDC (septa, irregular wall and solid elements) and their corresponding histopathology. These three variables form a proposed predictive model for TGDC as a guide to surgical intervention. Pediatric radiologists should be familiar with these key imaging features, as compared with other imaging features described in TGDC also illustrated here, which are less discriminating.