Jason P Hunt1, Matthew Wilson, Luke O Buchmann. 1. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. jason.hunt@hsc.utah.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Substernal goiters are frequently associated with compressive symptoms. Compression of the trachea and esophagus are common, whereas thoracic duct compression is a rare occurrence. METHODS: We report a rare case of a 72-year-old woman with thoracic duct compression by a large substernal goiter that presented with shortness of breath. After undergoing thoracentesis multiple times, the patient was treated with thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Transcervical thyroidectomy was performed without sternotomy. This led to resolution of her symptoms. Confirmation of chylothorax resolution was obtained with postoperative computed tomography of the chest. CONCLUSION: Chylothorax is a rare sequela of substernal goiters. It can be managed with thyroidectomy. Sternotomy was avoided in this case.
BACKGROUND:Substernal goiters are frequently associated with compressive symptoms. Compression of the trachea and esophagus are common, whereas thoracic duct compression is a rare occurrence. METHODS: We report a rare case of a 72-year-old woman with thoracic duct compression by a large substernal goiter that presented with shortness of breath. After undergoing thoracentesis multiple times, the patient was treated with thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Transcervical thyroidectomy was performed without sternotomy. This led to resolution of her symptoms. Confirmation of chylothorax resolution was obtained with postoperative computed tomography of the chest. CONCLUSION: Chylothorax is a rare sequela of substernal goiters. It can be managed with thyroidectomy. Sternotomy was avoided in this case.
Authors: Seo Young Oh; Bo Hyun Kim; Do Young Kim; Kyu Min Lee; Min Jin Lee; Sung Su Kim; Jong Ho Kim; Yun Kyung Jeon; Sang Soo Kim; Yong Ki Kim; In Joo Kim Journal: Int J Endocrinol Metab Date: 2017-01-07