RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Carotid body tumor (CBT), a neuroendocrine neoplasm, and benign multinodular goiter (BMNG) are distinct pathologies affecting the neck region. Although rare, they can occur concurrently. This case contributes to the limited evidence regarding the association between these distinct pathologies and their operative management. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 45-year-old female with a palpable mass on the right side of her neck. She was diagnosed with Shamblin type III non-secretory CBT alongside BMNG. The surgical intervention included resection of the CBT, carotid artery bypass, and Dunhill thyroidectomy. DISCUSSION: This case is the third reported instance of coexisting CBT and BMNG. Their causative relationship is evident in the literature without a clear explanation of the underlying mechanism. Both conditions are treated surgically. Dunhill thyroidectomy for BMNG is a safer option, offering more flexibility and advantages over other thyroidectomies. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the complexity of managing such dual pathologies and may provide further evidence of their association.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Morgagni hernia is a rare type of hernia occurring secondary to potential anterior-medial defects in the diaphragm. The association of the defect with congenital cardiac pathologies and Down syndrome are well known. The defect is repaired usually by trans-abdominal or transthoracic approaches. Trans-sternal repair of the hernia is preferred in patients undergoing concomitant open heart surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-year-old child with Down syndrome underwent concomitant repair of Morgagni hernia and closure of his ventricular septal defect under cardiopulmonary bypass. The hernia was corrected by the sternotomy approach, without opening the hernia content, before the correction of the cardiac pathology. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 4th postoperative day. DISCUSSION: Preoperative diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in congenital heart disease is important to decrease mortality rate. However, trans-sternal exposure of the defect is also possible, as in this case, in patients undergoing open heart surgery for congenital cardiac defects. The defect can be repaired by this approach, concomitantly with the cardiac anomaly, no need for an additional incision and without opening the hernia sac. CONCLUSION: Our experience, although very limited, in patients who are suffering from Morgagni hernia and concomitant congenital heart defects shows that simultaneous repair of Morgagni hernia through midline sternotomy prior to cardiac procedure is effective. As Morgagni hernia can be accompanied with many congenital cardiac anomalies, cardiac surgeons should be familiar with the trans-sternal approach to the defect.