Ellis E Schipper1,2, Digna R Kool3, Theo Wobbes4, Leo M G Geeraedts5. 1. Section Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. e.schipper@chir.umcn.nl. 2. Section Traumatology 960, Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. e.schipper@chir.umcn.nl. 3. Department of Radiology, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 4. Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 5. Section Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thyroid hemorrhage is a rare injury in patients suffering from blunt trauma to the neck. The case of a 60-year-oldwoman is describedwho developed increasing swelling in the neck with a mild inspiratory stridor after a fall from her bed. The fall had resulted in hemorrhage within a previously existing goiter. Further analysis by means of a CT scan revealed severe tracheal compression and active bleeding, which prompted immediate operative intervention. The patient recovered without complications. The decision-making process in this case is outlined, and other reports describing patients with thyroid hemorrhage after blunt cervical trauma are reviewed. CONCLUSION: Although blunt thyroid injury is an uncommon condition, failure to consider the diagnosis or failure to anticipate complications of thyroid hemorrhage may result in progressive bleeding and airway compromise. Decision making is based on the patient's vital signs and, if possible, the findings on a contrastenhanced CT scan of the neck.
BACKGROUND:Thyroid hemorrhage is a rare injury in patients suffering from blunt trauma to the neck. The case of a 60-year-oldwoman is describedwho developed increasing swelling in the neck with a mild inspiratory stridor after a fall from her bed. The fall had resulted in hemorrhage within a previously existing goiter. Further analysis by means of a CT scan revealed severe tracheal compression and active bleeding, which prompted immediate operative intervention. The patient recovered without complications. The decision-making process in this case is outlined, and other reports describing patients with thyroid hemorrhage after blunt cervical trauma are reviewed. CONCLUSION: Although blunt thyroid injury is an uncommon condition, failure to consider the diagnosis or failure to anticipate complications of thyroid hemorrhage may result in progressive bleeding and airway compromise. Decision making is based on the patient's vital signs and, if possible, the findings on a contrastenhanced CT scan of the neck.
Authors: Johannes Lemke; Markus N Schreiber; Doris Henne-Bruns; Gregor Cammerer; Andreas Hillenbrand Journal: BMC Surg Date: 2017-11-28 Impact factor: 2.102