Thyroid gland rupture: a rare finding after a blunt neck trauma

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neck Injury Management

Background:

• Thyroid gland rupture is a rare injury, often associated with significant blunt force trauma.
• Literature review indicates a substantial proportion of cases necessitate surgical intervention, primarily for hematoma evacuation.
• This report focuses on a pediatric case, adding to the limited understanding of thyroid trauma in younger patients.

Observation:

• A 13-year-old male presented with a thyroid gland rupture following blunt trauma from a hockey stick.
• The patient's clinical course was uncomplicated, with no immediate need for surgical intervention.
• A comprehensive literature review was conducted to contextualize this unique pediatric case.

Findings:

• This represents the first documented instance of pediatric thyroid rupture attributed to blunt neck trauma.
• Analysis of 14 prior cases revealed that 7 required surgery, predominantly for hematoma management.
• The presented case underscores that conservative management may be viable in select instances.

Implications:

• Pediatric thyroid rupture, though rare, requires vigilant monitoring for potential complications such as hematoma formation and thyroid storm.
• This case expands the clinical knowledge base regarding blunt neck trauma in children and its impact on the thyroid gland.
• Further research into optimal diagnostic and management strategies for pediatric thyroid injuries is warranted.