[Intrathoracic goiter--a rare mediastinal tumor]

Intrathoracic, totally ectopic goiters are rare, but have to be considered as a diagnostic possibility in all mediastinal masses. The displacement of the thyroid tissue inferiorly in connection with the embryogenesis of the heart and the large vessels explains the aetiology of the disease. Ectopic goiters are often asymtomatic or oligosymptomatic. They may be classified into two groups according to their location in the anterior or posterior mediastinum. The diagnostic procedures include standard X-ray and CT scan imaging, eventually combined with radionuclide scintigraphy. Once the diagnosis of a intrathoracic goiter is obtained the treatment is surgical (unknown dignity, risk of compression or other symptoms). The approach of choice is through a median sternotomy in case of a anterior location and a posterolateral thoracotomy in case of a posterior location. We discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in 2 patients with mediastinal goiters--one located in the anterior and one in the posterior mediastinum.