Successful non-operative management of a traumatic thyroid haematoma in a goitrous gland

Traumatic haemorrhage of the thyroid is an uncommon injury, especially in patients without pre-existing thyroid disease. Goitrous glands have an increased risk of haemorrhage following trauma due to their increased size and vascularity. Traditionally, traumatic thyroid haematomas were indiscriminately managed with neck exploration. Over time, the role of the close observation in the management of these injuries was explored, and it became common for patients with traumatic haematomas in otherwise normal thyroid glands to be managed non-operatively if no signs of ongoing bleeding or airway compromise manifested. However, patients with known goitrous glands continued to undergo neck exploration and resection of the affected gland. Herein we discuss the case of a traumatic thyroid haematoma managed non-operatively in a patient with a goitrous gland and discuss its implications for the management of similar future cases.