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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
04:09
Minimal Invasive Resection of Large Retrosternal Thyroid Goiter
Published on: September 20, 2024
Chylothorax associated with substernal goiter treated with transcervical thyroidectomy.
Jason P Hunt1, Matthew Wilson, Luke O Buchmann
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. jason.hunt@hsc.utah.edu
Summary
Substernal goiters can rarely compress the thoracic duct, causing chylothorax. Surgical thyroidectomy effectively resolved symptoms in a patient, avoiding sternotomy.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Substernal goiters commonly cause tracheal and esophageal compression.
- Thoracic duct compression by substernal goiters is an exceptionally rare clinical presentation.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath due to thoracic duct compression from a large substernal goiter.
- The patient underwent multiple thoracentesis procedures prior to definitive treatment.
Findings:
- A transcervical thyroidectomy was successfully performed, resolving the patient's compressive symptoms.
- Postoperative computed tomography confirmed the resolution of chylothorax.
- Sternotomy was not required for the surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Chylothorax is a rare but manageable complication of substernal goiters.
- Thyroidectomy is an effective treatment for substernal goiter-induced chylothorax.
- Minimally invasive surgical approaches can be considered, avoiding sternotomy.
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