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Hashimoto's thyroiditis presenting with severe pressure symptoms--a case report
T Tsunoda1, N Mochinaga, T Eto
1Second Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan.
The Japanese Journal of Surgery
|July 1, 1991
Summary
A rare case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis caused severe neck swelling and breathing difficulties. Surgical removal of the enlarged thyroid gland resolved all pressure symptoms, leading to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland.
- Enlargement of the thyroid (goiter) can lead to compressive symptoms.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old woman presented with neck swelling, facial edema, and severe snoring.
- Examination revealed vocal cord immobility, laryngeal edema, and tongue/pharyngeal edema.
Findings:
- Compressive symptoms were attributed to an enlarged thyroid gland impacting recurrent laryngeal nerves and jugular veins.
- Thyroid function and autoimmune tests confirmed Hashimoto's disease.
- Histological examination of the 168g resected thyroid confirmed Hashimoto's disease.
Implications:
- Total thyroidectomy with tracheostomy successfully alleviated compressive symptoms.
- This case highlights the potential for rare presentations of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- Prompt surgical intervention can effectively manage severe goiter-induced pressure symptoms.