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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
10:19
Substernal Thyroid Biopsy Using Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Published on: November 10, 2014
Bilateral thyroid hematomas after fine-needle aspiration causing acute airway obstruction
Tiffany Hor1, Sharon Wu Lahiri
1Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
Summary
Fine-needle aspiration of the thyroid can rarely cause large hematomas, leading to airway obstruction. This case highlights a rare complication in a patient with hypertension and end-stage renal disease on aspirin.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid is a common diagnostic procedure.
- Incidental thyroid nodules are frequently detected via imaging like CT scans.
- Rare complications of thyroid FNA include hematoma, vocal cord paralysis, tumor seeding, and infection.
Observation:
- Hematoma is the most frequent complication, typically minor and managed with compression.
- This report details a rare instance of large bilateral thyroid hematomas following routine FNA.
- The patient presented with acute airway compromise.
Findings:
- The patient had a history of hypertension and end-stage renal disease.
- The patient was on aspirin therapy at the time of the procedure.
- Large bilateral thyroid hematomas developed post-FNA, causing significant airway obstruction.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe complications from a common procedure.
- Awareness of risk factors like hypertension, renal disease, and anticoagulation is crucial.
- Prompt recognition and management of airway compromise are essential in thyroid FNA complications.
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