Substernal Goiter: a case to remember

Abstract

SUMMARY Goiter is a localized or generalized thyroid hypertrophy. It can remain within the cervical region or grow down until it invades the mediastinum. The signs and symptoms depend on the size and location of the goiter. Although drugs and radioactive iodine are often used to treat thyroid disease, the presence of symptomatic substernal goiter is a clear indication for surgery. Death or postoperative complications rarely occur. We present a case of a 71-year-old man with recurrent thyroid pathology in the form of substernal goiter and hyperthyroidism even after partial thyroidectomy. The importance of this relates to the clinical evolution, volume, and location of the goiter as well as the surgical and pharmacological approach.

Total Thyroidectomy by Median Sternotomy for Treatment of Substernal Goiter: A Case Report

“…Substernal goiter consists in thyroid tissue within the thoracic cavity due to an enlarging thyroid gland. This rare presentation of goiter makes up 1% of total goiter cases and 7% of mediastinal masses [ 1 ]. It usually affects women above 60 years old and though it is a benign disease, its proximity to the great vessels and recurrent laryngeal nerve may cause concern due to the risk of compression of these structures [ 2 ].…”