Thyroid gland rupture caused by blunt trauma to the neck

Area of Science:

• Trauma surgery
• Endocrinology
• Emergency medicine

Background:

• Thyroid rupture due to blunt neck trauma is an exceedingly rare clinical event.
• Neck pain without visible swelling can be the sole initial symptom, masking a potentially serious injury.

Observation:

• A case of a 71-year-old woman presenting with neck pain after blunt trauma is detailed.
• Initial examination revealed no swelling or subcutaneous emphysema, with only mild laryngeal edema on endoscopy.
• Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) confirmed right thyroid lobe rupture and extensive hematoma formation.

Findings:

• The patient underwent surgical resection of the right thyroid lobe and hematoma evacuation.
• CT imaging is essential for diagnosing thyroid rupture and guiding management decisions.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering thyroid rupture in blunt neck trauma, even without external signs of swelling.
• Early CT diagnosis is critical for timely intervention and preventing complications such as respiratory distress due to tracheal compression.