A case of Thyroid Hematoma Managed by Conservative Treatment

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 2018;34(1):45-47.
Published online May 30, 2018.

Young-Do Jung;Deok Su Kim;Ho Jin Son;Jeong Kyu Kim

갑상선 혈종의 보존적 치료 1예

정영도;김덕수;손호진;김정규

Abstract

Thyroid hematoma secondary to a blunt trauma is a rare problem. Despite the rarity, it can be a life-threatening condition with tracheal compression. Both surgical exploration and conservative management have been suggested for thyroid hematoma. However, there is still controversy on the optimal treatment. A 67-year old man who progressed severe dyspnea and neck swelling was transferred to the emergency department with a blunt anterior neck trauma after traffic accident. Contrast enhanced neck computed tomography scan showed huge hematoma within the right thyroid gland and slight tracheal deviation without prominent airway obstruction. One day later, anterior neck swelling was aggravated and the patient was intubated to prevent airway obstruction. After 3 days, hematoma resolution was revealed and extubation was done. We report this case with a review of literature.

Key Words: Airway obstruction, Hematoma, Thyroid, Trauma