An unusual recurrent intrathoracic goiter: Case report

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Endocrinology
• Diagnostic imaging

Background:

• Intrathoracic goiters typically occur in the anterior mediastinum.
• Posterior mediastinal goiters are uncommon, representing 10-15% of cases.
• These masses arise from the posterolateral thyroid gland.

Observation:

• A 59-year-old man presented with progressive dyspnea.
• He had a history of bilateral thyroid lobectomy 10 years prior.
• Computed tomography revealed a large, well-defined mass in the posterior mediastinum.

Findings:

• The mass extended from the thoracic inlet to the posterior mediastinum.
• It was paratracheal in location.
• Surgical removal was successfully performed using a combined transcervical and transthoracic approach.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates a rare presentation of a posterior mediastinal goiter.
• Successful surgical resection is feasible even after prior thyroid surgery.
• A combined surgical approach may be necessary for large posterior mediastinal masses.