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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
10:19
Substernal Thyroid Biopsy Using Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Published on: November 10, 2014
[Superior vena cava syndrome caused by multinodular goiter]
A Ríos Zambudio1, J M Rodríguez González, M Carrasco Prats
1Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo I, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia.
Revista Clinica Espanola
|June 17, 2000
Summary
Intrathoracic multinodular goiter can cause superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), leading to compressive symptoms. Surgical thyroidectomy effectively resolved these symptoms in four reported cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Thoracic Surgery
Context:
- Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is predominantly associated with oncologic etiologies.
- Intrathoracic conditions, such as multinodular goiter, are less common causes of SVCS.
- Understanding diverse etiologies of SVCS is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.
Purpose:
- To report four cases of SVCS caused by intrathoracic multinodular goiter.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of axial CT in identifying the goiter's compressive effects.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of surgical management for this rare presentation of SVCS.
Summary:
- Four patients presented with symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) attributed to intrathoracic multinodular goiter.
- Patients experienced significant compressive symptoms affecting the esophagus and trachea.
- Axial computed tomography (CT) precisely identified the goiter compressing brachiocephalic vessels.
- All patients underwent successful total thyroidectomy, leading to complete resolution of compressive symptoms.
Impact:
- This case series expands the known differential diagnosis for SVCS beyond malignant causes.
- It underscores the importance of considering thyroid pathology in patients with suspected SVCS.
- Highlights surgical thyroidectomy as an effective treatment for SVCS secondary to multinodular goiter.
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