An investigation into symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and treatment complications in patients with retrosternal goiter

Introduction:

Retrosternal goiter refers to any thyroid enlargement in which over 50% of the thyroid permanently located under the thoracic inlet or the lower pole of thyroid is not palpable with the neck in hyperextended position. Due to the increasing number of surgical procedures of retrosternal goiter, the present study was carried out to examine the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and treatment complications in retrosternal goiter patients.

Materials and Methods:

Data related to demographic data (age and gender), clinical symptoms (dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia, lumps in neck, and hoarseness), methods of diagnosis (computed tomography [CT], chest X-ray [CXR], ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging), and postoperative complications (bleeding, early and late dysphonia, early and late dyspnea, transient and permanent hypocalcemia, transient, and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis) were collected.

Results:

According to the results 71.4% of patients were women and most of the participants (67.1%) aged 45–60 years. Mass in the neck was the most frequent symptoms before surgery (88.6%). The most common incision for thyroidectomy (95/7%) was neck Collar incision. Diagnosis method in 82.9% and 17.1% of cases was, respectively, based on CT scans with CXR and CT scans with CXR and ultrasound. According to the postoperative pathologic findings, 58.5% of the cases were multinodular goiter, 22.9% were papillary cell carcinoma, 7.1% were medullary carcinoma, 5.7% were anaplastic carcinoma, 5.7% were thyroid lymphoma, and only 1.4% were thyroid adenoma. Postoperative complications occurred in 47.14% of patients. Most common complication was early transient dysphonia.

Conclusion:

This study recommends that retrosternal goiter should be operated early under suitable conditions, and the best diagnosis tool and best surgery methods are CT scan and surgery with collar incision, respectively.

Surgical approach to the intrathoracic goiter

Objective

In a retrospective study, the authors analyzed the surgical approach to the intrathoracic goiter to avoid sternotomy or thoracotomy.

Methods

We selected 70 intrathoracic cases of multinodular goiter out of 988 cases of thyroidectomy and compared them with cervical goiter cases. Surgical technique, results, and postsurgical complications were assessed.

Results

The analyzed cases presented the retrosternal goiter (n = 53; 75.7%), the retrotracheal goiter (n = 9; 12.8%), and the retroesophageal goiter (n = 8; 11.4%). Complaining of chest pressure or discomfort was specific for intrathoracic cases (50%; 35 of 70). All goiters except one were removed via cervical incision. The surgeons used head reclination and isthmus dissection when removing sizable goiters. Mean weight of goiters was 180 g. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was more often temporarily damaged in intrathoracic cases in comparison with cervical cases (4.3% vs. 2.8%, P = .04), but the difference in permanent injury was less significant (P = .09). The incidence of temporary hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in intrathoracic cases (P = .01).

Conclusion

In cases of multinodular goiter the goiters of various extensions can be successfully removed via the cervical incision in most of the cases even if they occupy the retrosternal, retrotracheal, or retroesophageal position. The transthoracic approaches and sternotomy might be justified in malignant cases.

Level of Evidence

4.

PEMBERTON'S SIGN AND INTENSE FACIAL EDEMA IN SUPERIOR VENA CAVA SYNDROME DUE TO RETROSTERNAL GOITER

Introduction

Retrosternal goitre enlargement can cause compression of several mediastinal structures, especially the trachea and the superior vena cava. Retrosternal goitre as a cause of superior vena cava syndrome is a rare occurrence. We report the case of a middle aged man that underwent surgery for retrosternal goitre with compression of both innominate veins presenting as superior vena cava syndrome.

Case Presentation

A 50 year old man presented with a 2 year history of cyanosis of the upper limbs, head and neck, marked facial edema, plethora, dyspnea on exertion and choking sensation. Pemberton's sign was present. Computer tomography diagnosed retrosternal goitre at the level of the aortic arch, tracheal compression and important collateral circulation. Endocrine evaluation showed normal thyroid function (fT4 15.8 pmol/L) with low-normal TSH (0.5mU/L), normal calcitonin (<2 pg/mL). The patient underwent successful total thyroidectomy with cervical approach and his symptoms dramatically improved. The facial oedema persisted for the next 3 weeks.

Discussion

Less than 3% of superior vena cava syndromes are secondary to a variety of benign causes. Superior vena cava syndrome caused by slow growing retrosternal goitres is very rare and can be asymptomatic for a long period due to venous collateral development.

Conclusion

Superior vena cava syndrome secondary to retrosternal goitres, a very rare occurrence, is an indication for total thyroidectomy, with low postoperative morbidity and dramatic resolution of symptoms.

Airway Management of Retrosternal Goiters in 22 Cases in a Tertiary Referral Center

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the incidence and extent of difficult airway management in patients with massive retrosternal goiter.

Design

An 8-year retrospective analysis was performed to identify patients who underwent massive retrosternal thyroidectomy. A total of 22 cases were identified as giant retrosternal goiter, followed by a review of each patient’s preoperative computerized tomography imaging.

Interventions

There were no cases of failed intubation. Twenty patients underwent uneventful tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy or Glidescope. Thirteen patients received a muscle relaxant intravenously, and two patients were induced with sevoflurane. Five patients underwent awake tracheal intubation, including awake fiberoptic intubation in three patients. Before entering the operating theatre, the remaining two patients underwent oral tracheal intubation with Glidescope in the emergency department.

Results

Two patients had tracheal intubation before they entered the operating theatre. Once entering vocal cords, tracheal intubation can pass beyond the site of the tracheal obstruction without difficulty. One patient died because of serious perioperative bleeding owing to the adhesion between the retrosternal goiter and large vessel within the thoracic cavity. One patient experienced dyspnea after extubation and was intubated again.

Conclusion

Intravenous induction of muscle relaxant using laryngoscopy or Glidescope is feasible in patients with massive benign retrosternal goiter. The incidence of difficult intubation and postoperative tracheomalacia is likely too rare. Furthermore, perioperative bleeding and postoperative airway complication seem frequent.

Clinical Presentation and Surgical Treatment of Retrosternal Goiter: A Case Series Study

Background: The retrosternal goiter (RSG) is a slow-growing mass often benign in nature; thyroidectomy remains the preferred standard curative treatment. This study aimed to explore the local experience of RSG with respect to the clinical presentation, classifications, management, and outcomes. Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted to include all cases diagnosed with RSG and underwent thyroidectomy between January 1998 and December 2013. Results: A total of 1210 patients underwent thyroidectomy; of which 30 (2.5%) patients were diagnosed to have RSG. The commonly reported symptoms were dyspnea (40%), pain and discomfort (30%), dysphagia (26.7%), and hoarseness (20%). Thirteen patients (43.3%) were completely asymptomatic. The fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed in 22 (73.3%) patients, of whom the majority was benign (77.3%). The grading classification showed that grade 1 is the most frequent (73.3%). Total bilateral thyroidectomy was the most prevailing procedure in 57% cases followed by partial thyroidectomy. All patients underwent retrosternal thyroidectomy through a cervical incision except for one case. Postoperative histopathology showed frequent benign multinodular goiter (83.3%), followed by papillary thyroid cancer (10%) and thyroiditis (6.7%). The most common complication after thyroidectomy was tracheomalacia (13.4%), transient hypocalcemia (10%), and hypoparathyroidism (6.7%). There was no intraoperative or perioperative mortality. Conclusion: RSG is a rare entity often presented with pressure symptoms, mostly involving anterior mediastinum and had a challenging surgical procedure. A large multicenter study is needed to include more cases in order to have a consensus on the definition and classification system for such important clinical goiter presentation.

Case Report: Modified Thoracoscopic-Assisted Cervical Resection for Retrosternal Goiter

Introduction: The treatment of choice for retrosternal goiters (RSG) is surgical resection to relieve symptoms and rule out malignancy. Although the majority of RSG can be removed by a cervical approach only, an extracervical approach (e.g., sternotomy, thoracotomy or thoracoscopy) may be required. Herein, we describe a refined thoracoscopic-assisted cervical two-team RSG resection without thoracoscopic mediastinal dissection.

Technique: A 57-year-old man presented with a large RSG with posterior mediastinal extension (PME) and extensive peritumoral vascularization. Due to its extension below the aortic arch and its small connection with the right thyroid lobe, a combined cervical and thoracoscopic approach was intended. The endocrine surgery unit performed the cervical mobilization of the right thyroid lobe, while the thoracic surgery unit gently pushed the mediastinal tumor through the thoracic inlet without performing mediastinal dissection. This allowed a safe visualization of the inserting vessels by the endocrine surgery team at the neck, followed by a stepwise division of the vessels and resection of the retrosternal nodule through the cervical access.

Comment: The described approach is indicated for RSG with posterior mediastinal extension, anteroposterior dimension smaller than the thoracic inlet and inaccessibility from a cervical approach only. This minimally invasive approach is associated with a faster recovery, decreased morbidity and postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and better cosmetic results.

Missed thyroid gland after total thyroidectomy

Missed gland is an extremely rare condition. It is a mediastinal thyroid mass found after total thyroidectomy. We report a case of missed gland. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy due to multinodular goiter and thyroid stimulating hormone levels did not increase after surgery. Pathological tests revealed a micropapillary carcinoma. Thyroid ultrasonography and scintigraphy scan revealed mediastinal thyroid mass. The patient underwent redo surgery without sternotomy and there was no morbidity after the second surgical procedure. Most missed thyroid gland cases are due to incomplete removal of plunging thyroid goiter during total thyroidectomy. They also can be attributed to a concomitant, unrecognized mediastinal goiter, which is not connected to the thyroid gland with vessels or a thin fibrous band. It should be noted that absence of signs like mediastinal mass or tracheal deviation in preoperative chest X-ray does not exclude substernal goiter. The presence of a missed thyroid gland should be kept in mind when postoperative thyroid stimulating hormone levels remain unchanged.

Split Sternotomy in Retrosternal Thyroid and Mediastinal Parathyroid Pathologies

Objectives

Although cervical incisions are usually sufficient in mediastinal located thyroid and parathyroid pathologies, sometimes mediastinal approaches are required. In recent years, less invasive methods have been used instead of median sternotomy. In this study, the adequacy of the incision and morbidity in patients who underwent split sternotomy due to retrosternal goiter (RG) and mediastinal parathyroid pathology in our clinic were investigated.

Methods

The files of patients who underwent split sternotomy in addition to cervical incision or split sternotomy extending from the sternal notch to the third intercostal space with a separate vertical incision due to retrosternal thyroid pathology or mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma between January 2010 and January 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Operative success, exposure provided by split sternotomy, and complication rates were investigated.

Results

Twelve patients who underwent split sternotomy were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 57.25±12.62 (44-83) years. Eight (66.7%) of the patients were female and 4 (33.3%) were male. The indication for surgery was multinodular goiter (MNG) in 3 (25%) patients, recurrent MNG in 3 (25%) patients, hyperparathyroidism in 3 (25%) patients, and thyroid cancer in 3 (25%) patients. Transient hypocalcemia in 6 (50%) patients and unilateral vocal cord paralysis in 1 (8.3%) patient developed postoperatively, and all complications resolved spontaneously in an average of 3 weeks. Median sternotomy was not required for any of the patients.

Conclusion

Split sternotomy is an adequate and applicable method for the success of the surgery in RG and mediastinal parathyroid pathologies that cannot be excised with the cervical approach.

Surgical Management and Predictors of Postoperative Complications of Retrosternal Goiters: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

The preferred standard treatment for retrosternal goiter (RSG), a slow-growing, often benign tumor, remains thyroidectomy. An alternative strategy may be required when the goiter is intrathoracic. Data on the results of RSG procedures are rarely reported. Careful patient selection and assessment are critical to avoiding an unexpected sternotomy during surgery and postoperative complications. This study aims to examine the clinical findings and treatment outcomes of RSG and to identify the variables affecting postoperative complications in a resource-limited setting.

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted at Al-Thawra Modern General Hospital in Sana'a, Yemen, on 69 patients diagnosed with RSG and undergoing thyroidectomy between April 2019 and February 2023. Initial clinical characteristics, radiological and laboratory findings, treatment approach, and outcome were collected from the patient's medical profile and analyzed. To determine the variables influencing postoperative complications, a bivariate analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

The mean age was 51.0 ± 13.6 years, and 45 (65.2%) were female. The most commonly reported symptoms were palpable masses (66; 95.7%), difficulty breathing (45; 65.2%), and neck discomfort (20; 29.0%), with 7 (10.1%) patients being asymptomatic. Previous thyroid surgery was reported in 10 (14.5%) cases. According to the grading classification, grade 1 was the most prevalent (42; 60.9%). Total thyroidectomy was the predominant surgical procedure in 59 (85.5%) cases. Using a cervical approach, all patients underwent thyroidectomy, and a sternotomy was required in one case. Histopathological analysis revealed benign multinodular goiter in 79.7%, followed by papillary thyroid cancer in 10.1% and thyroiditis in 6.7%. The postoperative complication occurred in 22 (31.9%), and the most common complication was transient hypocalcemia (11, 15.9%). There was no mortality during or after the surgery. In bivariate analysis, advanced age, difficulty swallowing, tracheal deviation, large RSG mass, advanced RSG grade, previous surgery, and malignant histopathology were associated with postoperative complications and were statistically significant (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

RSG is a rare disease that may require challenging surgical intervention. In this study, the cervical approach was the most practical and least intrusive surgical method. In addition, postoperative complications were associated with advanced age, difficulty swallowing, tracheal deviation, large RSG mass, advanced RSG grade, previous surgery, and malignant histopathology. Low postoperative complication rates can be achieved by understanding the surgical architecture of the neck, essential clinical RSG presentation, thyroid pathology, and necessary surgical treatment.

Extended cervical approach for retrosternal multinodular goiter

Objective

Partial or total sternotomy is required for 10% of retrosternal goiter. This study reviewed our experience with an extended cervicotomic approach as an alternative surgical solution for retrosternal goiter.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter between 2014 and 2019 at a tertiary medical centre. Data on clinical, radiologic, and pathologic factors were analysed. Peri- and postoperative outcomes were compared between extended and standard cervical approaches to predict the need for an extended cervical approach.

Results

The cohort included 265 patients, of whom 245 (92.4%) were treated by standard thyroidectomy. In 17 (6.4%), the standard approach proved insufficient, and the horizontal incision was extended to a T-shape to improve access. The remaining 3 patients required a sternotomy. Use of the extended cervical approach was significantly associated with clinical features such as male gender, diabetes, high body mass index and postoperative hypocalcaemia.

Conclusions

The extended cervicotomic approach is an alternative surgical solution for retrosternal goiter, with no increased risk of significant post-operative complications.

Device implantation complicated by a retrosternal goiter

Central venous obstruction in the cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) population is commonly due to thrombosis and fibrosis secondary to the passage of pre-existing leads. However, vein occlusion before CIED implantation is uncommon, and one cause is retrosternal goiters. We report a case where the failure of the initial implantation of a primary CIED led to an unusual implantation route without goiter excision. The patient had an indication for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) given his left ventricular (LV) function was impaired and had second-degree heart block Mobitz Type II; however, he had occluded bilateral subclavian veins due to a sizeable retrosternal goiter. This obstruction led to the implantation of a single lead pacemaker via the right femoral vein after multiple failed attempts at CRT, dual chamber pacemaker and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP).

[Extracervical approach for retrosternal goiter]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze treatment outcomes in patients with retrosternal goiter.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 13 patients aged 32-77 years with retrosternal goiter between 2016 and 2024. The ratio of men and women was 2:11.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent thyroidectomy, one patient - video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy with resection of aberrant goiter. Among 12 patients, thyroidectomy through collotomy was performed in 6 patients, sternotomy was performed in 5 patients. Aberrant goiter was removed through thoracotomy in one patient with recurrent retrosternal goiter. Complicated postoperative period was observed in 4 patients. Two patients underwent postoperative tracheostomy (prevention of respiratory failure following high risk of bilateral paresis of recurrent laryngeal nerves in one case and laryngeal edema in the second case). There were no deaths in long-term period.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative planning should include CT-based analysis of intrathoracic component of thyroid gland and volume of chest cavity. This is valuable to plan the optimal surgical approach and reduces the risk of intraoperative complications.

A rare case of ectopic retrosternal goiter

It is important for the clinician to be familiar with interpreting a variety of radiological modalities that provide vital information that will aid in the preoperative planning, counseling, and subsequent management of patients with retrosternal goiter.

[Surgical access for thoracic and intrathoracic goiter]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical approach for resection of retrosternal and intrathoracic goiter.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 33 patients who underwent surgery for retrosternal (31) and intrathoracic goiter (2) through various surgical approaches. For retrosternal goiter, a Farabeuf hook was used to remove a large retrosternal component of tumor.

RESULTS

In 28 cases (84.8%), substernal goiter was resected through cervical collar incision. In 4 cases, a Farabeuf hook was used to extract retrosternal part of the goiter to the neck and avoid sternotomy. In one case, a combined approach was used (thoracoscopy and cervical collar incision). Sternotomy was performed in only one patient for suspected thyroid malignancy. In two patients with tumors of posterior mediastinum, intrathoracic goiter was removed through thoracoscopic access.

CONCLUSION

Cervical collar incision allows resection of retrosternal goiter in 84.4% of cases. Retrosternal part can be effectively displaced to the neck wound using a Farabeuf hook. Thoracoscopy is preferable for removal of intrathoracic goiter and can be used to mobilize a large node in mediastinum as an alternative to sternotomy.

Thyroid Cancer Presenting as Aspiration Pneumonia: A Tale of Retrosternal Goiters

Abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland is called goiter. Structurally, it can be nodular or diffuse. Usually, it presents as an anterior cervical mass; however, less commonly, it presents as a retrosternal mass causing symptoms of compression on the surrounding structures. Most patients with goiter are asymptomatic due to the euthyroid nature of the disease. However, sometimes they can be hypo or hyperthyroid depending on the etiology of the goiter. Here, we present the case of a patient without any previously known goiter who presented to the hospital with shortness of breath and was found to have hypoxic respiratory failure as his first noticed sign of thyroid disease. Diagnostic workup revealed retrosternal goiter causing compression effect on the esophagus and trachea resulting in dysphagia and aspiration. The patient was treated with feeding tube placement, followed by surgical resection of the mediastinal mass.

Retrosternal goiter in thoracic surgical practice

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and optimize surgical approaches to the management of retrosternal goiter.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort retrospective single-center study included 56 patients aged 68.3±9.8 years with retrosternal goiter who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2019. Right-sided goiter was diagnosed in 16 cases, left-sided goiter in 21 patients, bilateral goiter in 19 patients. Palpable neck mass was found in 17 (30.4%), stridor in 16 (28.6%), thyrotoxicosis in 4 (7.1%) and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 2 (3.6%) cases. X-ray signs of tracheal compression were detected in 43 (76.8%) patients, deviation in 26 (46.4%) patients. Resection through cervical collar incision was performed in 40 (71.4%) patients. Additional sternotomy was required in 11 (19.6%) patients, 1 (1.8%) patient required collar incision and right anterior mediastinotomy. Right-sided posterolateral thoracotomy without collar incision was performed in 1 (1.8%) patient with a suspected mediastinal teratoma. Three patients underwent median sternotomy only because of preoperative diagnosis of teratoma in one and thymoma in two patients.

RESULTS

There was no perioperative mortality. Transient vocal changes occurred in 3 (5.4%) patients, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 3 (5.4%), atrial fibrillation in 2 (3.6%), wound complications in 2 (3.6%), left phrenic nerve palsy in 1 (1.8%), transient hypocalcaemia in 1 (1.8%) and persistent hypothyroidism in 1 (1.8%) patient. Hospital-stay ranged from 2 to 12 (5.5±2.0) days. Multinodular goiter was found in 53 (94.6%) patients, diffuse goiter in 1 (1.8%), ectopic thyroid in 1 (1.8%) and oncocytic tumor in 1 (1.8%) patient. One (1.8%) patient underwent simultaneous resection of RSG via a collar incision and right-sided VATS upper lobectomy for primary lung cancer. One (1.8%) patient also underwent simultaneous resection of RSG via collar incision and right-sided VATS subcarinal lymph node biopsy for coexistent lymphoma. Mean vertical length of goiter in the collar incision group was 7.6 cm compared to 10.6 cm in the sternotomy group. Mean weight of specimens was 162.3 g in patients with collar incisions and 312.5 g in the sternotomy group. Sternotomy was required in 14 (25%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Resection of retrosternal goiter is more commonly performed via cervical collar incision with mandatory availability of sternotomy. Radiological measurement of craniocaudal length may predict the need for sternotomy. Surgical outcomes are not affected by surgical approach. Simultaneous thoracic interventions for a coexistent pathology in patients with RSG may be considered. Further research of minimally invasive interventions for RSG resection is required.

Residual Retrosternal Goiter and Thymolipoma After Cervical Thyroid Resection

Retrosternal goiters (RGs) are thyroid enlargements that extend into the mediastinum, representing 1%-20% of all goiters. While typically benign, their anatomical location can lead to significant clinical symptoms due to the compression of surrounding structures such as the trachea, esophagus, and major vessels. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment, particularly in symptomatic cases or when malignancy is suspected. In rare cases, RGs may co-occur with other mediastinal tumors, such as thymolipomas, complicating both diagnosis and management. We present a 39-year-old female with a residual retrosternal goiter after previous insufficient resection only of the cervical thyroid mass, leaving the mediastinal part in place. The patient underwent a total median sternotomy, and the retrosternal goiter, along with a concomitant thymolipoma, was successfully extirpated. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient remains in excellent condition at a seven-month follow-up.

Obviating the need for sternotomy: Safety and effectiveness of microdebrider use for retrosternal goiter

BACKGROUND

Most retrosternal goiter surgical removal can be performed via a transcervical approach. However, it is often a challenging procedure, which might include sternotomy.

METHODS

We describe a surgical technique using a microdebrider for intracapsular volume reduction that precedes an extracapsular thyroidectomy, thereby avoiding the need for sternotomy, with decreased morbidity and risk. The procedure is described in detail with 2 representative cases and a summary of our experience in 26 cases.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients with retrosternal goiters are included in our cohort. None of the patients needed a sternotomy, and no major or permanent complications occurred. The average length of hospital stay was 4.30 days after total thyroidectomy and 2.57 days after hemithyroidectomy.

CONCLUSION

The use of a microdebrider for intracapsular volume reduction thyroidectomy is extremely helpful for transcervical removal of retrosternal goiters in selected cases, and avoids the need for sternotomy, which is especially beneficial in elderly patients, and those with comorbidities for whom sternotomy should be avoided.

Challenging Airway Management in a Patient with Retrosternal Goiter Presenting in Respiratory Distress

A number of options exist for patients with anticipated difficult intubation on account of a retrosternal goiter compressing on the trachea. The chosen technique(s) to secure the airway in this delicate situation often depends on the location and degree of airway obstruction, available resources/facilities, and an anesthetist's experience and preferences. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman with severe airway obstruction from a retrosternal goiter coming for total thyroidectomy. Airway management started with an awake fiber-optic intubation, proceeded to a tracheostomy and finally to use of a rigid bronchoscope following failure of the earlier techniques to achieve adequate ventilation.

Differences in surgical outcomes between cervical goiter and retrosternal goiter: an international, multicentric evaluation

Introduction

Goiter is a common problem in clinical practice, representing a large part of clinical evaluations for thyroid disease. It tends to grow slowly and progressively over several years, eventually occupying the thoracic inlet with its lower portion, defining the situation known as retrosternal goiter. Total thyroidectomy is a standardized procedure that represents the treatment of choice for all retrosternal goiters, but when is performed for such disease, a higher risk of postoperative morbidity is variously reported in the literature. The aims of our study were to compare the perioperative and postoperative outcomes in patients with cervical goiters and retrosternal goiters undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Methods

In our retrospective, multicentric evaluation we included 4,467 patients, divided into two groups based on the presence of retrosternal goiter (group A) or the presence of a classical cervical goiter (group B).

Results

We found statistically significant differences in terms of transient hypoparathyroidism (19.9% in group A vs. 9.4% in group B, p < 0.001) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (3.3% in group A vs. 1.6% in group B, p = 0.035). We found no differences in terms of transient RNLI between group A and group B, while the occurrence of permanent RLNI was higher in group A compared to group B (1.4% in group A vs. 0.4% in group B, p = 0.037). Moreover, no differences in terms of unilateral RLNI were found, while bilateral RLNI rate was higher in group A compared to group B (1.1% in group A vs. 0.1% in group B, p = 0.015).

Discussion

Wound infection rate was higher in group A compared to group B (1.4% in group A vs. 0.2% in group B, p = 0.006). Based on our data, thyroid surgery for retrosternal goiter represents a challenging procedure even for highly experienced surgeons, with an increased rate of some classical thyroid surgery complications. Referral of these patients to a high-volume center is mandatory. Also, intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) usage in these patients is advisable.

A case report of massive retrosternal goiter in a 54-year-old woman with symptoms of head and neck swelling and dyspnea

Anterior mediastinal mass often is serious and its diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation involving imaging studies, pathological analysis and consultation with a multidisciplinary team involving radiologist, thoracic surgeons, and oncologist.

Case report: Surgical treatment of McCune-Albright syndrome with hyperthyroidism and retrosternal goiter: A case report and literature review

Introduction

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a low-incidence syndrome consisting of the clinical triad of fibrous structural dysplasia of bone, endocrine disease, and skin pigmentation. Thyroid dysfunction is the second most common endocrine dysregulation in MAS. However, there are no treatment guidelines for MAS complicated with hyperthyroidism. Notably, no case of MAS complicated with retrosternal goiter and hyperthyroidism has been reported to our knowledge.

Case presentation

We report a 27-year-old man with MAS who developed the typical triad of bone fibrous dysplasia, skin pigmentation and hyperthyroidism, complaining of recent fast-growing neck mass and difficulty in breathing. Hyperthyrodism was under control by Thiamazole, and computed tomography showed an enlarged thyroid extending retrosternally. We performed a total thyroidectomy on the patient. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient's dyspnea, hyperthyroidism, and bone pain were all significantly alleviated.

Review

We searched the literature for previous case reports concerning MAS patients complicated with thyroid dysregulation. A total of 17 articles and 22 patients were identified to form our database. Among them, 9 studies clearly mentioned surgical intervention in 11 patients, and prognoses were also reported. Surgery was the most common intervention chosen and indicated a satisfactory prognosis.

Conclusion

We report a rare case of MAS patient complicated with retrosternal goiter and hyperthyroidism. Our review provides an overview of MAS cases requiring interventions on thyroid function, and total thyroidectomy should be a proper treatment for these patients.

Prevalence and Clinical Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer in Retrosternal Goiter: A Retrospective Comparative Study with Cervical Multinodular Goiter

Background: Surgical intervention in asymptomatic retrosternal goiter (RSG) is debated in the absence of suspicious cytology, while performing fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is challenging in thyroids with mediastinal extension. The rate of unexpected thyroid cancers found at the time of thyroidectomy varies widely, while the notion of increased cancer incidence in RSG with respect to cervical goiters is still controversial. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 411 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of multinodular goiter (MNG) (114 retrosternal, 297 cervical) who underwent thyroidectomy at an academic endocrine surgery referral center between January 2019 and October 2022. Rates of cancer detected on the final pathology examination, overall and not anticipated by preoperative workup, were compared between cervical MNG (cMNG) and RSG. Results: Patients with RSG were older (58.2% vs. 50.6%; p < 0.001) and more likely to be men (34.2% vs. 23%; p = 0.014). Overall, thyroid cancer was found in 49.5% of cMNG specimens and in 35.1% of RSGs (p = 0.02), and cancer > 1 cm was found in 37.4% of cMNG and 17.4% of RSG (p = 0.003). Prevalence of unexpected thyroid cancer was not significantly different between cMNGs (29.8%) and RSGs (28.8%). Unexpected carcinomas > 1 cm impacted 11% of all RSGs. Conclusions: In this study, the prevalence of unexpected thyroid cancer in RSG was similar to cMNG and significant from a clinical standpoint, with 1 in every 10 RSG diagnosed with differentiated cancer > 1 cm. Findings may be partially attributed to the difficulty in performing FNA in the mediastinum. Surgeons should counsel patients preoperatively regarding the risk of unexpected thyroid cancer to set appropriate expectations of outcome.

Tracheomalacia in patients undergoing thyroid surgery-What is the true estimate: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Tracheomalacia is defined as the weakening of the tracheal rings secondary to long-standing compression or inherent structural weakness, leading to stridor and airway compromise. The common etiological factor of tracheomalacia includes compression of the tracheal framework due to a large multinodular goiter. There are various management techniques described in the literature to manage a patient with tracheomalacia including tracheostomy, tracheal stenting, and tracheopexy. However, the evidence of tracheomalacia in the literature is conflicting. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to estimate the incidence of tracheomalacia after thyroidectomy.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Elton B. Stephens Co. cumulative index to nursing and allied health literature plus to determine the incidence of tracheomalacia among patients undergoing thyroidectomy up till October 2021. The eligibility was assessed by two independent authors. A quality assessment of individual studies was performed using the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool. Outcomes were double data extracted and were analyzed using OpenMeta.

Results

The online search retrieved 214 papers, out of which 17 studies were included that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The number of patients included in the systematic review who underwent thyroidectomy was 1108. The mean age was 55.8 ± 7.7 years, ranging from 48 to 75 years. Tracheomalacia was reported in 146 patients (1.4%). Sternotomy was performed in 102 patients to approach the goiters with retrosternal extension. The most common intervention to manage tracheomalacia was tracheostomy or prolonged intubation.

Conclusions

Tracheomalacia is a rare complication. In cases where tracheomalacia is encountered, common methods of management include tracheostomy or prolonged endotracheal intubation. Prospective, long-term studies are required to accurately assess its true incidence and associated factors.