[Mediastinal goiter; report of a case]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Retrosternal goiters can present as asymptomatic masses or cause compressive symptoms.
• Imaging, such as chest computed tomography (CT), is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning.
• Normal thyroid function tests are common in patients with adenomatous goiters.

Observation:

• A 76-year-old female presented with an abnormal shadow on chest CT.
• The CT revealed a large tumor extending from the thyroid to the aortic window along the trachea.
• Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were within normal limits.

Findings:

• The patient underwent surgical resection via cervical collar incision and median sternotomy.
• Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of adenomatous goiter.
• The patient experienced an uneventful recovery and was discharged without complications.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of surgical resection for large retrosternal goiters.
• Multidisciplinary approaches involving endocrinology, radiology, thoracic surgery, and pathology are essential for optimal patient care.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can prevent potential complications associated with large goiters.