Airway Compression Caused by Bilateral Thyroid Hematoma after Fine-Needle Aspiration

ABSTRACT

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is considered the most accurate, cost-effective and relatively safe method in the evaluation of thyroid nodules and fatal complications after thyroid FNA are uncommon. In particular, the large hematomas after FNA causing airway compromise are extremely rare complications and were reported in only a few literatures. We reported a 51-year-old woman who showed airway compromise caused by bilateral intrathyroidal and perithyroidal hematoma after FNA of thyroid. A large thyroid hematoma after FNA is a rare but possible complication and sometimes can be fatal for the patient. Proper preventive efforts should be considered while performing thyroid FNA and prompt intervention is mandatory for patients with acute hematoma after FNA.