Msl Wong1, Y Kanapaty2, Y T Liew3, A Bakri4. 1. (MB, BCH, BAO, MRCS (Edinburgh)), Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2. (MBBS, Master in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery), Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. 3. (MBBS, MRCS (Edinburgh), Master in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery), Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 4. (MB, BCH, BAO, MRCS (Edinburgh), Master in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery), Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spontaneous thyroid haemorrhage is a very rare condition that is potentially life-threatening. We report an unusual case of spontaneous thyroid haemorrhage leading to airway compromise requiring urgent intervention. We highlight key clinical findings and management steps with comparison to similar cases in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: An adult male presented with sudden anterior neck swelling and bruises on his neck and chest with hoarseness and dysphagia. Clinical assessment and CT scan revealed a thyroid haemorrhage with laryngopharyngeal, neck and chest haematoma. He was intubated for airway protection and given intravenous steroids and antibiotics. He was extubated well after 3 days. CONCLUSION: Careful prompt management of the patient's airway is of vital importance as worsening haematoma can lead to rapid airway compromise. Acute physicians should be aware of the clinical signs of thyroid haemorrhage, as this rare condition may present to the acute medical take.
BACKGROUND:Spontaneous thyroid haemorrhage is a very rare condition that is potentially life-threatening. We report an unusual case of spontaneous thyroid haemorrhage leading to airway compromise requiring urgent intervention. We highlight key clinical findings and management steps with comparison to similar cases in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: An adult male presented with sudden anterior neck swelling and bruises on his neck and chest with hoarseness and dysphagia. Clinical assessment and CT scan revealed a thyroid haemorrhage with laryngopharyngeal, neck and chest haematoma. He was intubated for airway protection and given intravenous steroids and antibiotics. He was extubated well after 3 days. CONCLUSION: Careful prompt management of the patient's airway is of vital importance as worsening haematoma can lead to rapid airway compromise. Acute physicians should be aware of the clinical signs of thyroid haemorrhage, as this rare condition may present to the acute medical take.