Substernal Goiter: a case to remember

SUMMARY Goiter is a localized or generalized thyroid hypertrophy. It can remain within the cervical region or grow down until it invades the mediastinum. The signs and symptoms depend on the size and location of the goiter. Although drugs and radioactive iodine are often used to treat thyroid disease, the presence of symptomatic substernal goiter is a clear indication for surgery. Death or postoperative complications rarely occur. We present a case of a 71-year-old man with recurrent thyroid pathology in the form of substernal goiter and hyperthyroidism even after partial thyroidectomy. The importance of this relates to the clinical evolution, volume, and location of the goiter as well as the surgical and pharmacological approach.

RESUMO O bócio é a hipertrofia da glândula tiroide localizada ou generalizada. Esta pode localizar-se na região cervical ou crescer através do mediastino. Os sinais e sintomas dependem do tamanho e da localização do bócio. Embora os fármacos e o iodo radioativo sejam frequentemente usados para tratar doenças tireoidianas, a presença do bócio subesternal sintomático é uma clara indicação para a cirurgia. A morte ou complicações pós-operatórias são raras. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 71 anos com recorrência de patologia tireoidiana sob a forma de bócio subesternal e hipertireoidismo após tireoidectomia parcial. A importância desse caso relaciona-se com a evolução clínica, o volume e a localização do bócio e a abordagem cirúrgica e farmacológica desse tipo de patologia.

Traqueomalacia, complicación de la exéresis de un bocio difuso endotorácico bilateral / Tracheomalacia: a complication after removal of bilateral endothoracic diffuse goiter

Introducción: En cirugía de la glándula tiroides la mortalidad es nula en algunas series por lo que la morbilidad es la mayor preocupación del cirujano. Objetivo: Presentar la evolución clínica de una paciente con tiroidectomía total por bocio endotorácico bilateral. Caso clínico: Paciente que se le realizó tiroidectomía total por bocio endotorácico bilateral, técnicamente difícil, biopsia por congelación negativa de malignidad, bocio coloide. Nervios recurrentes visualizados. Debido al tamaño de la glándula y lo complejo que resultó la extracción se decidió trasladar a la paciente a la sala de recuperación intubada y ventilada para proceder a la recuperación de la ventilación espontánea y la extubación en un período más prolongado. Fue extubada una primera vez que fue fallida. Fue reintubada y ocurrió en una segunda ocasión después de ser reintervenida por un posible hematoma de la herida. En la TAC preoperatoria se observó una glándula tiroides grande con prolongación endotorácia bilateral y estenosis alta de la tráquea. Conclusión: Las complicaciones de obstrucción de la vía aérea después de una tiroidectomía no son frecuentes. Generalmente, después de una tiroidectomía total o parcial se trata de recuperar al paciente en el quirófano para después de la extubación realizar una laringoscopia que descarte la parálisis de las cuerdas vocales. La traqueomalacia como complicación después de una tiroidectomía no es frecuente, por lo que se alerta que de no haber diagnosticado y tratado rápidamente la paciente podría tener un desenlace fatal(AU)

Introduction: In surgery of the thyroid gland, mortality is null in some series, so morbidity is the surgeon's greatest concern. Objective: To present the clinical evolution of a patient with total thyroidectomy due to bilateral endothoracic goiter. Clinical case: This patient underwent total thyroidectomy due to bilateral endothoracic goiter, technically difficult, negative freeze biopsy of malignancy, colloid goiter. Visualized recurrent nerves. Due to the size of the gland and how complex the extraction was, it was decided to transfer the patient to the intubated and ventilated recovery room to proceed with the recovery of spontaneous ventilation and extubation in a longer period. She was extubated the first time it failed. She was re-intubated and it occurred on a second occasion after being re-operated due to a possible hematoma of the wound. In the preoperative CT scan, a large thyroid gland with bilateral endothoracic prolongation and high stenosis of the trachea was observed. Conclusion: Complications of airway obstruction after thyroidectomy are not frequent. Generally, after a total or partial thyroidectomy, it is a matter of recovering the patient in the operating room, in order to perform, after extubation, a laryngoscopy to rule out paralysis of the vocal cords. Tracheomalacia as a complication after thyroidectomy is not frequent, so it is warned that failure to diagnose and treat the patient quickly could have a fatal outcome(AU)

Substernal goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to compare the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux signs between two groups of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for voluminous goiter: substernal goiters and voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Subjects and methods A retrospective case-control study was performed with data retrieved of the charts of the patients submitted to thyroidectomies occurred at a tertiary care center (Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School) between 2010 and 2014. The selected thyroidectomies were allocated in two groups for study: patients with substernal goiters and patients with voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Cervical goiters were selected by ultrasonography mensuration. Clinical criterion was used to define substernal goiter. Results The average thyroid volume in patients with substernal goiter was significantly greater than the average volume in patients with only cervical goiter (p < 0.001). The prevalence of signs of reflux laryngitis at laryngoscopy was significantly greater in substernal goiter patients (p = 0.036). Moreover, substernal goiter was considered as the unique independent variable for high reflux laryngitis signs at laryngoscopy (OR = 2.75; CI95%: 1.05-7.20; p = 0.039) when compared to only cervical goiter patients. Conclusion This study shows a significant association between substernal goiters and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux at preoperative laryngoscopy. Therefore, when compared with voluminous cervical goiters, the substernal goiters increase the chance of reflux laryngitis signs in patients.

Caracterización y resultados inmediatos en pacientes con tratamiento quirúrgico de bocio intratorácico / Characterization and immediate results in patients with surgical treatment of intrathoracic goiter

Objectives: To describe characteristics and immediate results of surgical treatment of patients with intrathoracic goiter (ITG). Methods: Retrospective review. Period: October 2003 - March 2010. We describe general characteristics, morbidity and mortality. Results: 33 patients, 23 women, mean age 59.1 +/- 14.3 years. Preoperative thyroid function: 32 euthyroid and 1 hyperthyroid. Asymptomatic 10 patients. ITG rate: 31 cervico-mediastinal and 2 mediastinal. Approach: 24 cervicotomy, 7 cervicotomy and sternotomy and 2 sternotomy. Type of resection: 19 total thyroidectomy and 14 subtotal thyroidectomy. Histology: 29 benign and 4 malignant neoplasms. Postoperative stay: median of 4.5 days. Complications in 12 patients: 10 hypo-parathyroidism (9 transient and 1 permanent), 2 dysphonia, 2 cervical hematoma (one redo), 1 wound infection and 1 ventilator associated pneumonia. One patient died (pneumonia). Conclusions: The ITG is more common in women, most are euthyroid and may be asymptomatic. Most can be resected by cervicotomy. The histology is benign in most but may represent malignancies. The surgery is not free of morbidity and mortality.

Objetivos: Describir características y resultados inmediatos del tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes con Bocio Intratorácico (BIT). Material y Método: Revisión retrospectiva. Período: octubre de 2003 - marzo de 2010. Se describen características generales y morbi-mortalidad. Resultados: 33 pacientes, 23 mujeres, edad promedio 59,1 +/- 14,3 años. Comorbilidades: 12 hipertensos y 1 diabético. Función tiroidea preoperatoria: 32 eutiroideos y 1 hipertiroideo. Asintomáticos 10 pacientes. Tipo BIT: 31 cérvico-mediastínicos y 2 mediastínicos. Abordaje: 24 cervicotomía, 7 cervicotomía más esternotomía y 2 esternotomía. Tipo de resección: 19 tiroidectomía total y 14 tiroidectomía subtotal. Histología: 29 benignos y 4 neoplasias malignas. Estadía postoperatoria: mediana de 4,5 días. Complicaciones en 12 pacientes: 10 hipoparatiroidismos (9 transitorios y 1 permanente), 2 disfonías, 2 hematomas cervicales (uno se reexploró), 1 infección herida operatoria y 1 neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica. Fallece un paciente (neumonía). Conclusiones: El BIT es más frecuente en mujeres, la mayoría son eutiroideos y pueden ser asintomáticos. La mayoría pueden ser resecados por cervicotomía. La histología es benigna en la mayoría aunque pueden corresponder a neoplasias malignas. La cirugía no está exenta de morbi-mortalidad.

Insuficiência respiratória aguda secundária a bócio mergulhante da tireoide / Acute respiratory insufficiencysecondary to substernal thyroid goiter

Relato de caso de bócio mergulhante (BM) em idosa com longa história de bócio nodular tóxico (BNT) e que evoluiu com insuficiência respiratória aguda enquanto aguardava cirurgia eletiva para extirpação do bócio. A evolução das complicações respiratórias dessa paciente sugere que o tratamento cirúrgico do BM em idosos deveria ser feito o mais breve possível, após o surgimento de sintomatologia respiratória, para evitar complicações.

Case report of substernal thyroid goiter in an elderly woman with long record of toxic nodular goiter that progressed to acute respiratory insufficiency while waiting for elective surgery for extirpation of goiter. The development of respiratory complications suggests that the surgical treatment of substernal thyroid goiter affecting elderly people should be pursuit as soon as possible after the appearance of respiratory symptomatology as a means of avoiding complications.

experience with retrosternal Goiter: analysis of 89 cases

To determine the frequency of retrosternal goiter, clinical presentation and post operative complications among the patients presenting with goiter. It is a prospective, crossectional study conducted at Department of Surgery, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 1997 to December 2008. All patients with goiter were evaluated for retrosternal extension of thyroid, clinical presentation, and post operative complications. Among 978 patients, 89 [9.10%] patients had retrosternal extension of thyroid. Majority of the patients were female [94.51%] and euthyroid [91.02%]. Among all the patients, [39.33%] were in the 5th decade. Retrosternal extension of both lobes was found in 83.15% and one lobe in 16.15% patients. Dysponea was the commonest complaint by all patients, followed by headache [30.33%] and dysphagia [25.84%]. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was seen in 4.49% patients and 3.37% patients developed hypocalcaemia and wound infection after surgery. Retrosternal extension of thyroid is not uncommon. Surgery can be easily done through cervical approach

Avaliação crítica de 33 pacientes com bócio mergulhante tratados cirurgicamente por cervicotomia / A critical analysis of 33 patients with substernal goiter surgically treated by neck incision

A possibilidade de ser necessário um acesso combinado, com uma incisão cervical e outra torácica, torna o tratamento do bócio mergulhante um desafio tanto no pré quanto no intra-operatório. Discutimos uma padronização da técnica cirúrgica para minimizar a necessidade da abordagem torácica, tornando o bócio mergulhante uma patologia tratável cirurgicamente, por uma única incisão cervical, e com baixos índices de complicações. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a abordagem cirúrgica do bócio mergulhante por cervicotomia e analisar as complicações cirúrgicas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma coorte histórica com corte transversal por análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia no período de maio de 2002 a julho de 2007. Um total de 316 pacientes foi submetido à tireoidectomia sendo 33 (10,4 por cento) por bócio mergulhante. RESULTADOS: Todos os 33 pacientes foram tratados cirurgicamente por via cervical sem necessidade de esternotomia. Não foram observadas lesões definitivas de nervo laríngeo inferior ou hipoparatireoidismo definitivo. Apenas 2 pacientes apresentaram paresia de nervo recorrente e 2 pacientes foram reabordados por hematoma cervical. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com bócio mergulhante podem ser tratados cirurgicamente por uma única incisão cervical com segurança e baixos índices de complicação.

The possibility of needing a combined access, with neck and chest incisions makes the treatment of substernal goiter a challenge both in the pre-op and the intraoperative. We hereby, discuss a standardization of the surgical technique to minimize the need for a chest approach, making the substernal goiter a surgically treatable disease, through a single neck incision, and with low indices of complication. AIM: to assess the substernal goiter surgically approach through a neck incision and to analyze the surgical complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: we carried out a historical cohort by retrospective analysis of the charts of patients submitted to thyroidectomy, and 33 of them (10.4 percent) had substernal goiter. RESULTS: all 33 patients were surgically treated through a neck incision without the need for sternotomy. We did not observe definitive lesions in the inferior laryngeal nerve or definitive hypoparathyroidism. Only 2 patients had recurrent nerve paresis; and 2 patients were re-operated because of a neck hematoma. CONCLUSION: patients with substernal goiter can be safely treated surgically through a single neck incision, bearing low complication rates.

Retrosternal goitre, presentation and treatment outcome

To assess the clinical presentation, surgical out come and complications of retrosternal goitre [RSG]. A descriptive retrospective study. Departments of Ear Nose Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Fatima Hospital Baqai Medical University and Civil Hospital Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, between January 2002 to March 2008. Twenty seven patients of both gender and different ages of retrosternal goitre who under went for thyroidectomy between January 2002 to March 2008 were studied regarding their clinical presentation, and surgical outcome. Only two [7.4%] of our patients were presented with acute air way obstruction. Six [22.2%] patients were complained of dsypnoea only in supine posture, dysphagia and hoarseness were noticed in 3[11.1%] and 1 [3.7%] patients respectively while fifteen [51.5%] were asymptomatic apart from the obvious neck swelling. Total thyroidectomy was performed in twenty two [81.4%] cases and lobectomy with isthemectomy was done in five [18.1%] patients. CT scan was done in seven [25.9%] cases. Majority of our cases i.e. twenty five [92.6%] were benign while malignancy was noted in only two [7.4%] cases. Complications noted was haematoma formation in one [3.7%], recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in four [14.8%], hypoparathyroidism [transient] was recorded in three [11.1%] patients, and wound infection was observed in two [7.4%] patients. There was no mortality pre and post-operatively and no case of permanent hypoparathyroidism was noted where as only one patient had permanent unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Retrosternal goitre is often asymptomatic and thyroidectomy is the treatment of choice with very low mortality and morbidity

Resultado del tratamiento quirúrgico del bocio endotorácico / Result of the surgical treatment of the goiter endotorácico

Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y prospectivo de 30 pacientes estudiados y tratados por bocio endotorácico, seleccionados de un universo de 450 pacientes operados por nosotros a causa de diversas enfermedades tiroideas en el período comprendido entre 1994 y 2004. El sexo predominante fue el femenino (83,3 por ciento) y la edad promedio, de 52 años. El aumento de volumen (86,6 por ciento) y la disfagia (16,6 por ciento) fueron los síntomas más frecuentes. Se utilizó el ultrasonido y la radiografía de tórax en todos los casos, mientras que la biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina (BAAF) se empleó en el 96,6 por ciento de los pacientes. El bocio coloide difuso, con 19 casos (63,3 por ciento), fue el tipo histológico más observado. La hemitiroidectomía más la exéresis de la prolongación endotorácica (12 casos; 40 por ciento) fue la intervención quirúrgica más realizada. No presentó complicaciones el 93,3 por ciento de los pacientes y se presentó un caso con granuloma de la herida y otro con hipoparatiroidismo transitorio, lo cual constituyó el 3,3 por ciento. En nuestros casos no encontramos degeneración maligna del bocio(AU)

He/she was carried out a retrospective and prospective study of 30 studied patients and tried by goiter endotorácico, selected of an universe of 450 patients operated by us because of diverse thyroid illnesses in the period understood between 1994 and 2004. The predominant sex was the feminine one (83,3 percent) and the age average, 52 years old. The increase of volume (86,6 percent) and the disfagia (16,6 percent) they were the most frequent symptoms. It was used the ultrasonido and the thorax x-ray in all the cases, while the biopsy for aspiration with fine needle (BAAF) it was used by 96,6 percent of the patients. The goiter diffuse colloid, with 19 cases (63,3 percent), it was the type more observed histológico. The more hemitiroidectomía the exéresis of the continuation endotorácica (12 cases; 40 percent) it was the carried out surgical intervention. It didn't present complications 93,3 percent of the patients and a case was presented with granuloma of the wound and another with transitory hipoparatiroidismo, that which constituted 3,3 percent. In our cases we don't find wicked degeneration of the goiter(AU)

Bócio ectópico intratorácico primário no mediastino posterior: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Primary ectopic intrathoracic goiter in posterior mediastinum: a case report and review of the literature

O bócio ectópico intratorácico primário é entidade muito rara que corresponde à presença de tecido tireoidiano aberrante hiperplasiado, localizado no interior do tórax, sem possuir nenhum contatoou relação com a tireóide cervical, que se encontra geralmente com aspecto normal. Apresentamos um caso de paciente do sexo feminino, 61 anos de idade, com os achados de radiografia etomografia computadorizada, associado a revisão de literatura, demonstrando os achados de imagem, diagnósticos diferenciais, possíveis fatores etiológicos e os tratamentos.

The ectopic primary intrathoracic goiter is an uncommon tumor that corresponds to a hyperplasia of an ectopic thyroid tissue, that develops in the thorax, distinct from the cervical thyroid gland,which usually exists on its normal aspect. We report the case of a 61-year-old female patient, with the aspects of the radiograph and computed tomography examinations, comparing them with the literature, demonstrating the image aspects, differential diagnosis,possible etiology factors and treatments of the disease.

Substernal goiters: Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical management

Intrathoracic goiter [ITG] or substernal goiter [SSG] includes any thyroid enlargement in which over 50% portion of the thyroid permanently located under the thoracic inlet and lower pole of thyroid is not palpable with the neck in hyperextended position. Between Jan 1993 and July 2002, 334 patients underwent thyroidectomy for goiters in Rasht [North of Iran]. In this investiagation, initial presentations, surgical managements and complications of 32 patients with substernal goiter have been evaluated retrospectively. Results: There were 20 women and 12 men, with a mean age of 40 years [range 45-67 yrs]. Twenty-two patients presented with respiratory symptoms, two had dysphagia, four complained of hoarseness, and five patients were detected incidentally by CXR. Chest X-ray was the first step in diagnosis, and C. T Scan was the best imaging examination for diagnosis. Isotope scanning was helpful only in five patients. Twenty-one patients were operated with the collar incision, seven with collar incision, and in some along with partially sternotomyfour and four patients were operated by median sternotomy. In 17 patients the goiters were in the right anterior mediastinum and in 14, in the left anterior mediastinum, in one patient goiter was seen in the hilum of the right lung. Pathologic reports were as follows: multinodular goiter in 22 patients papillary cell carcinoma in seven patients anaplastic carcinoma in one patient and lymphoma in one patient. Medullary cell carcinoma in one patient. There was no hospital mortality. Postoperative complications occured in five patients. This study recommends that intrathoracic goiter should be operated early under suitable conditions because of malignant transformation and other hemorrhagic or serious complications

Retrosternal goitre: analysis of 48 patients

Retrosternal goiter is defined as any goiter in which at least 50% of the thyroid resides below the level of the thoracic inlet, and it is a common cause of compression of adjacent structures. To highlight the epidemiology, clinical features and surgical complications of retrosternal goiter. All patients operated for thyroid disease in period from June 1996 to Dec 2003 in the surgical department of 7[th] October Hospital were retrospectively analyzed age, gender and clinical features were noted. Out of 1898 thyroidectomies performed, 48 patient were found to have retosternal goiter [2.5%] The mean age was 42 yrs [25-77 yrs]. 41 [85.5%] were females and 7 [14.5%] patients were males. A 43 [89.6%] patients were euthyroid, 4 [8.3%] patients were toxic and 1 [2.1%] patient hypothyroid. About one fourth of the patients were asymptomatic. Commonly observed symptoms were, shortness of breath, hoarseness, dysphagia and superior vena cava obstruction. In all patient the goiter was resected through cervical incision, except one patient who needed partial sternotomy. Near total thyroidectomy was performed in 29 [60%] cases. There were three complications and no death. The incidence of retrosternal goiter with respect to thyroidectomy patients is [2.5%]. Cervical incision is nearly always adequate. Retrosternal goiter dosen't seem to be associated with increased incidence of postoperative complications

[Intrathoracic goiters]

True intrathoracic goitres without any connexion with the cervical gland are rare. They present as tumours of the upper mediastinum. Mediastinal CT scan is the investigation of choice. Treatment is exclusively surgical because of the risk of mediastinal compression. In this report we describe a case of goitre which was diagnosed fortuitously in a 45 years old patient. Treatment was surgical with a left anterolateral thoracotomy

Bócio de tireóide intratorácico e timoma invasivo: apresentação simultânea incomum / Intrathoracic goiter and invasive thymoma: rare concomitant presentation

Apresentamos uma rara situação de ocorrência simultânea de dois tumores de mediastino com diferentes topografias e histologias, encontrados durante a ressecção de volumosa massa mediastinal em paciente assintomático. A possibilidade de diferentes tumores contidos numa mesma massa tumoral está relatada; entretanto, não encontramos na literatura médica relato de diferentes tumores em localizações distintas. Os bócios de tiróide intratorácicos e os timomas representam uma grande parcela dos tumores encontrados no mediastino. O tratamento cirúrgico, sempre que possível, desempenha papel fundamental na perspectiva de cura. A exploração cirúrgica minuciosa é fundamental para uma ressecção completa e possível achado de lesões concomitantes.

We present a rare situation in which two mediastinal tumors of different topology and histology were found during the resection of an extensive mediastinal tumor in an asymptomatic patient. Different histologies within the same mass have been reported, although, to our knowledge, there have been no reports of different tumors at distinct locations. Thymomas and intrathoracic goiters account for a large proportion of the tumors found in the mediastinum. When feasible, surgical resection plays a fundamental role in effecting a cure. In order to identify concomitant lesions and perform a complete resection, detailed surgical exploration is required.

Primary intrathoracic goiter - a rare mediastinal tumor

Primary intrathoracic goiter is a rare presentation of thyroid disease. Its removal usually necessitates thoracotomy or sternotomy. This patient having a primary intrathoracic goiter presented with posterior mediastinal mass that was removed through a right lateral thoracotomy

Estudo clínico do efeito da compressão extrínseca do esôfago causada por bócio mergulhante sobre a motilidade esofágica, utilizando como métodos a eletromanometria e a videofluoroscopia / Clinical study of the effect of the extrinsical compression of the esophagus caused for goiter substernal on the esophageal motility, using as methods the electromanometry and the videofluoroscopy

O aumento do volume da glândula tireóide pode levar à extensão da glândula para o mediastino (bócio mergulhante). O componente intratorácico pode ocasionar a compressão da traquéia e do esôfago e causar disfagia. Sendo esta um sintoma freqüente no bócio mergulhante e que desaparece após a remoção cirúrgica do mesmo, não encontramos relato de estudo dos efeitos da compressão extrínseca sobre a motilidade esofágica. Esta pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar as alterações da motilidade esofágica dos pacientes com bócio mergulhante utilizando como métodos a eletromanometria esofágica e a videofluoroscopia. Foram avaliados 40 pacientes com bócio mergulhante e divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1: n = 24 pacientes com bócio mergulhante e queixas disfágicas. Grupo 2: n = 16 pacientes com bócio mergulhante e sem queixas disfágicas. No momento inicial (M1), os pacientes foram submetidos à eletromanometria esofágica e à videofluoroscopia. A eletromanometria permitiu a análise da amplitude da pressão nos esfíncteres superior e inferior do esôfago, amplitude das contrações nos terços proximal e distal do esôfago e porcentagem das contrações esofágicas peristálticas, peristálticas normotensivas e hipotensivas após a deglutição de água. A videofluoroscopia permitiu analisar os efeitos da compressão do bócio sobre o esôfago. A seguir, os pacientes foram submetidos à cirurgia para remoção do tecido tireoideano que comprimia o esôfago. Em um período de 3 a 6 meses após a cirurgia, os exames foram repetidos (M2). A análise estatística dos parâmetros eletromanométrico não demonstrou diferenças entre momentos no grupo, nem entre os grupos nos 2 momentos. Foi observada no pós-operatório da tireoidectomia a normalização da videofluoroscopia em 81,3 por cento dos pacientes do grupo 1 e em 90 por cento daqueles do grupo 2. Não foram encontradas evidências eletromanométricas de alteração da atividade motora do esôfago nos pacientes com bócio mergulhante. As alterações encont...

Les goitres plongeants

Substernal goiters are rare but needs to be anatomically well defined. From 1986 to 1996, we collect retrospectivelly 35 patients [28F/7M], with a median age of 48 years affected by substernal goiters and revealed by an isolated cervical mass in 68.5% of cases. Diagnosis has been based on chest- X Ray [35/35], Technitium scintigraphy [35/35], US [16/38] or CT-Scan [6/35]. Resection was done for all the patients by an exclusive cervical way. Surgical was complicated by 4 transitory hypocalcemia and 4 recurrent palsies which 2 are definitive. We propose a more anatomically precise definition of substernal goiters i.e descending more than 4 cm in substernal when patients are in operative position. In most of the cases, cervical way alone permit a safe resection of both thyroid lesion and its mediastinal extension

Bocio cervicotorácico: experiencias y consideraciones sobre 57 casos / Cervicothoracic goiter: considerations and experiences of 57 cases

Se considera la experiencia sobre 57 casos de bocio cervicotorácico. Analizamos las clasificaciones de esta patología y se adopta la que consideramos más apropiada; se realiza el estudio clínico y métodos complementarios, destacándose la importancia de la T.A.C., como elemento de diagnóstico y orientador de la táctica quirúrgica a seguir. Damos las pautas de la técnica quirúrgica empleada; se analizan las complicaciones encontradas y advertimos de los riesgos de esta cirugía. Hacemos notar que con una cervicotomía amplia, prolija disección, individualizados los elementos nobles que se nos presentan, llegamos por esta vía a un final satisfactorio, en la casi totalidad de los casos. Destacamos las escasas complicaciones surgidas como consecuencia de un acto realizado con minuciosidad