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Posterior mediastinal ectopic thyroid: an unusual cause for dysphagia
Recep Demirhan1, Burak Onan, Kursad Oz
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Dr Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|July 28, 2009
Summary
Ectopic thyroid tissue in the posterior mediastinum is rare. This case report details a successful surgical resection of a posterior mediastinal ectopic thyroid causing esophageal compression and symptoms like chest pain and dysphagia.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Ectopic thyroid tissue can occur in various locations, but the posterior mediastinum is an uncommon site.
- Posterior mediastinal masses can present with non-specific symptoms, leading to diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male presented with atypical chest pain and dysphagia.
- Imaging and diagnostic workup confirmed a true posterior mediastinal ectopic thyroid.
- The ectopic thyroid tissue was causing significant esophageal compression.
Findings:
- Surgical resection via sternotomy was performed for the posterior mediastinal ectopic thyroid.
- Complete tumor removal was achieved.
- The patient experienced symptom relief and a favorable outcome post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering ectopic thyroid in the differential diagnosis of posterior mediastinal masses.
- Surgical intervention can be curative for symptomatic posterior mediastinal ectopic thyroid.
- Successful sternotomy for resection of mediastinal ectopic thyroid confirms surgical feasibility.
