A retropharyngeal multinodular goiter: A case report and literature review

Thyroid goiter is a benign chronic enlargement of the thyroid gland, which presents as a painless anterior neck mass with occasional extension to the mediastinum. Retropharyngeal goiter is a rare presentation and hardly reported in the literature.

A 70-year-old male presented with a multinodular goiter with a large retropharyngeal component.

Physical examination of the head and neck revealed a massive anterior neck mass. Laryngeal endoscopy with a 70-degree rigid endoscope demonstrated a large retropharyngeal mass completely obstructing the view of the larynx. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large multinodular goiter with suprahyoid and retrosternal extension, resulting in displacement of the trachea.

The mass was excised completely under general anesthesia and intubation was done under fiberoptic bronchoscopy guidance. The mass was sent for histological analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis.

Eventually, upon follow-up at three months post excision, no evidence of recurrence was detected.