Description
The specimen shows the larynx and thyroid cartilage with the upper part of the trachea. The thyroid
gland can be seen in its usual position, but it is obviously very small.
History
The patient was a woman who died at the age of 20 following a cardio respiratory arrest
of undetermined cause. She had been institutionalised since childhood because of mental
retardation; latterly she had been maintained euthyroid but without any mental improvement.