Spontaneous Thyroid Haemorrhage: A Cause of Upper Airway Obstruction

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.