Efficacy and safety of single-session radiofrequency ablation for intrathoracic goiter: preliminary results and short-term evaluation.

BACKGROUND: An intrathoracic goiter (ITG) is defined as a thyroid extension below the sternal notch. Compared to cervical goiters, surgery for ITG is more challenging, with a higher risk of an extracervical approach. Ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA in patients with ITG. METHODS: From a total of 324 patients who underwent thyroid RFA at a single medical center, 15 patients (mean age 52.2 years; 73.3% female) with 16 ITGs were included and classified into three grades and three types using the cross-section imaging CT system. Clinical features and demographics, degree of extension, RFA details, goiter volume, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean pre- and post-RFA goiter volumes as measured by US were 106.62 ± 61.82 and 25.09 ± 14.22 mL respectively, with a volume reduction rate (VRR) of 75.5% (p < 0.001) at 6 months. The VRR as measured by CT/MRI was 57.0 ± 10.0% (p < 0.001) at 6 months. The intrathoracic length reduction rate at 6 months was 44.9 ± 39.2% (p = 0.001). In addition, 4 (25%) ITGs had total regression of the intrathoracic extension, with a downgrade from grade 1 to cervical goiter. Mean pre- and post-RFA symptom and cosmetic scores were 1.53 and 0.15 (p = 0.001), and 2.67 and 2.00 (p = 0.001), respectively. One patient had transient vocal cord palsy and another had perithyroidal and mediastinal hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: US-guided RFA is an effective treatment for ITG in terms of both cervical and intrathoracic reductions with an acceptable complication rate.

An overview of retrosternal goiter.

Goiters tend to grow slowly and steadily over many years, occasionally reaching the mediastinum and extending through the thoracic inlet into the visceral compartment. In most cases, retrosternal goiters originate from the cervical portion of the thyroid. The incidence of retrosternal goiters varies considerably, ranging from 0.2 to 45% of all thyroidectomies, depending on the criteria used to define this type of goiter. Symptoms are generally related to the compressive nature of the mass on the adjacent structures, and most patients report some form of respiratory manifestation associated with the goiter. A diagnostic assessment usually includes an evaluation of thyroid function, chest radiography, and computed tomography. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy should be avoided in substernal areas of the goiter due to limited visibility and location of vital structures in this region. Treatment of retrosternal goiters is surgical, as medical therapy is generally unsuccessful in these cases.

Anatomical approach to surgery for intrathoracic goiter.

The anatomical approach to the intrathoracic goiter (ITG) was used to understand its etiology and to rationalize surgical technique of thyroidectomy. For a retrospective chart review, we selected cases of multinodular goiter with totally ITGs (n = 69; M 29, F 40), while 916 cases with cervical goiter were used for comparison. The topography of the thyroid gland was assessed against the tracheal rings and against the vertebrae. The regional anatomy of the thoracic inlet was assessed by its bony margins and the relations of structures traversing the area. Average tracheal-diameter-to-thoracic-inlet ratio was calculated. The ITG group consisted of 52 cases of retrosternal goiter (75.4 %), nine cases of retrotracheal goiter (13 %), and eight cases of retroesophageal goiter (11.6 %). In all but one analyzed cases, the goiters were removed via cervical incision. Mean weight of goiters was 183 g. The area of thoracic inlet in the cases of ITG had no difference in comparison with the cases of cervical goiter (F/M p = 0.11/0.15), but the tracheal-diameter-to-thoracic-inlet ratio was significantly smaller (F/M p = 0.06/0.04). In the ITG cases, the position of the upper edge of the isthmus of the thyroid was about 1.5 tracheal rings lower than in healthy individuals (p = 0.03). The area of the thoracic inlet, the neck size, and the anteroposterior diameter of the inlet do not affect the development of the ITG. The smaller tracheal-diameter-to-thoracic-inlet ratio and the lower position of the thyroid gland are the main indicators for the development of the ITG.

EMERGENCY SURGICAL TRACHEAL DECOMPRESSION IN A HUGE RETROSTERNAL GOITER.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decades, several definitions and classifications of cervico-mediastinal goiters have been proposed. We analyzed and discussed the clinical presentation, the diagnostic procedures and the surgical technique in relation to post-operative complications and long-term results in a case of a sixty-six years old obese, hypertensive female admitted in the Thoracic Surgery Department with respiratory distress (inspiratory dyspnea, stridor) progressively aggravating during the latest month. METHODS: Cervico-thoracic CT scan revealed the existence of a cervico-mediastinal huge goiter which developed mostly intrathoracic (2/ 3 of the goiter). It determined a tracheal compression, reducing its caliber by two thirds, and its displacement to the right side. The proposed surgical procedure was total thyroidectomy and it involved a bipolar approach (transcervical and transsternal) through a partial upper cervico-sternotomy. RESULTS: The complete removal of the goiter and the decompression of the trachea have been achieved. Postoperative results were very satisfactory, with the absence of the respiratory distress. The histological examination revealed a multinodular goiter with epithelium hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: The presence of a complicated cervico-mediastinal goiter with severe respiratory distress required a surgical excision as the main and immediate treatment option. The surgical procedure represented a milestone for both the anesthesiologist (difficult intubation, with a thin tracheal tube in the absence of the jet ventilation technology) and for the surgeon. The goiter's excision from the visceral mediastinum was very difficult because of its huge dimensions and close relations with trachea and great vessels (anterior) and esophagus, erector spinal muscles and the spine (posterior).

Solitary fibrous tumor of the intrathoracic goiter.

Solitary Fibrous Tumors (SFTs) are rare primary pleural neoplasms which have recently been reported in extra-thoracic sites. In this report, solitary fibrous tumor arising in an intra-thoracic goiter with no evidence of cervical mass in a 74-year-old obese man who was found to have a large superior mediastinal mass with tracheal deviation on Chest X-Ray is presented.

Incidental Primary Intrathoracic Goiter: Dual-Isotope Scintigraphy and Early-MIBI SPECT/CT.

Primary intrathoracic goiter is an uncommon congenital entity resulting from over decent ectopic thyroid tissue. As compared with secondary intrathoracic goiter, primary entities are discrete from orthotopic thyroid tissue and may lead to potentially serious complications such as malignancy and shortness of breath. Intrathoracic goiters have been described as showing mild or absent uptake of 99m Tc-pertechnetate on planar scintigraphy. We present an incidental primary intrathoracic goiter found in a patient undergoing evaluation with multimodal scintigraphy and early 99m Tc-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for localization of parathyroid adenomas. The mass was inconspicuous on TcO 4- scintigraphy but methoxyisobutylisonitrile-avid on early planar and SPECT/CT.

A large intrathoracic goiter with tracheal stenosis: Complete resection using a robot-assisted thoracoscopic approach.

Growing intrathoracic goiters may compress surrounding organs and deteriorate the cardiopulmonary function. Treating such cases requires carefully considering how to maintain oxygenation and resect the tumor with minimal invasiveness without complications. We herein report a surgically resected case of a large intrathoracic goiter-compressed trachea extending from the right lower pole of the thyroid gland to the carina. We secured the airway by intubation preparing for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and successfully performed surgical complete resection using a robot-assisted thoracoscopic and cervical approach. Intrathoracic goiter is a tumor with abundant neovascularity, and the right vagus nerve is displaced in the thoracic cavity, but a robot-assisted thoracoscopic approach using CO2 insufflation improved visualization at the narrow apex area of the thoracic cavity. Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a useful surgical procedure enabling safe and minimally invasive surgery without recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or tracheal injury for intrathoracic giant goiters extending into the thoracic cavity.

Enlargement of Intrathoracic Goiter with Unilateral Phrenic Nerve Paralysis Leading to Cardiopulmonary Arrest.

As an intrathoracic goiter expands, it causes airway stenosis and phrenic nerve paralysis, and slight respiratory stimuli can trigger sudden life-threatening hypoventilation. A 78-year-old obese woman with a large intrathoracic goiter was found unconscious with agonal breathing in her room early in the morning. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation restored spontaneous circulation. She underwent surgical removal of the goiter; however, she required long-term mechanical ventilation because of atelectasis due to phrenic nerve paralysis. In patients with large intrathoracic goiters, difficulty breathing on exertion and diaphragm elevation on chest X-ray may be significant findings predicting future respiratory failure.

A case of cervico-mediastinal paraganglioma mimicking an ectopic goiter.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Mediastinal paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that originate from extra-adrenal paraganglia, occasionally secreting catecholamines. Nonfunctional mediastinal paragangliomas present nonspecific clinical and radiological features and represent a diagnostic challenge. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year old woman presented with cough and dyspnea increasing over time. CT-scan and ultrasonography showed a large vascularized cervico-mediastinal mass, consistent with an intrathoracic ectopic goiter. Preoperative angiography showed a blood supply from neck vessels. The lesion was completely removed through a cervical approach. The diagnosis of paraganglioma was a histological surprise. The patient is alive without recurrence 30 months after surgery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: When preoperatively diagnosed, the treatment of choice of a mediastinal paraganglioma is surgical excision. However, a preoperative diagnosis of mediastinal paraganglioma is difficult to obtain, especially in cases of nonfunctional lesions. Distinction between an intrathoracic goiter and a nonfunctional paraganglioma can be extremely difficult and, given the rarity of the latter, an ectopic goiter is suspected in first instance. CT-scan and ultrasonography are of little use in the differential diagnosis. However, scintigraphy with 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine can be an useful diagnostic tool when a paraganglioma is suspected. In case of vascularized cervico-mediastinal mass, such as paragangliomas or intrathoracic goiter, preoperative angiography should be performed to study the blood supply and orient the surgical approach. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon, paragangliomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses, especially when an ectopic goiter is suspected.

Combined cervicosternotomy and cervicotomy for true retrosternal goiters: a surgical cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Intrathoracic goiters are a heterogeneous group characterized by limited or extensive substernal extension. Whereas the former can be treated through cervicotomy, the latter sometimes requires a cervicosternotomy. Whether cervicosternotomy leads to more morbidity remains unclear. This study aimed to compare intra- and postoperative morbidity in patients treated by cervicotomy or cervicosternotomy for intrathoracic goiters and standard thyroidectomy. METHODS: In a prospectively gathered cohort undergoing thyroid surgery (2010-2019) intra- and postoperative morbidity of cervicotomy (N = 80) and cervicosternotomy (N = 15) for intrathoracic goiters was compared to each other and to a 'standard' thyroidectomy (N = 1500). RESULTS: An intrathoracic extension prior to surgery was found in 95 (6%) of all thyroidectomies. Eighty patients (84%) were operated by cervicotomy and 15 (16%) by cervicosternotomy. The risk of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was much higher in the cervicosternotomy group (21%) compared to cervicotomy (4%) and standard thyroidectomy (3%). The risk of temporary hypocalcemia after cervicotomy (28%) was comparable to a standard thyroidectomy (32%) but higher after cervicosternotomy (20%). No cases of permanent hypocalcemia or laryngeal nerve palsy were observed in both groups with substernal extension. The need for surgical reintervention was significantly higher in the cervicotomy group (6%) compared to cervicosternotomy (0%) and standard thyroidectomy (3%). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing thyroid surgery for an intrathoracic goiter, cervicosternotomy was associated with more temporary laryngeal nerve palsy, but none of the interventions resulted in higher risks of permanent nerve damage, permanent hypocalcemia, or reintervention for bleeding. Reintervention was even more common after cervicotomy compared to cervicosternotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Intrapericardial goiter.

Intrapericardial goiter cases are only a few in the literature. We present a 53-year-old woman who was operated for 8-cm anterior mediastinal mass located completely intrapericardial and histopathological examination revealed an ectopic goiter. It may be difficult to distinguish between mediastinal masses within or outside the pericardium. Thoracoscopy may be needed in such cases.

Surgical approach to the intrathoracic goiter.

OBJECTIVE: In a retrospective study, the authors analyzed the surgical approach to the intrathoracic goiter to avoid sternotomy or thoracotomy. METHODS: We selected 70 intrathoracic cases of multinodular goiter out of 988 cases of thyroidectomy and compared them with cervical goiter cases. Surgical technique, results, and postsurgical complications were assessed. RESULTS: The analyzed cases presented the retrosternal goiter (n = 53; 75.7%), the retrotracheal goiter (n = 9; 12.8%), and the retroesophageal goiter (n = 8; 11.4%). Complaining of chest pressure or discomfort was specific for intrathoracic cases (50%; 35 of 70). All goiters except one were removed via cervical incision. The surgeons used head reclination and isthmus dissection when removing sizable goiters. Mean weight of goiters was 180 g. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was more often temporarily damaged in intrathoracic cases in comparison with cervical cases (4.3% vs. 2.8%, P = .04), but the difference in permanent injury was less significant (P = .09). The incidence of temporary hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in intrathoracic cases (P = .01). CONCLUSION: In cases of multinodular goiter the goiters of various extensions can be successfully removed via the cervical incision in most of the cases even if they occupy the retrosternal, retrotracheal, or retroesophageal position. The transthoracic approaches and sternotomy might be justified in malignant cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Chylothorax Associated with Substernal Goiter in Graves' Disease Treated with Radioactive Iodine.

INTRODUCTION: We present a rare case of chylothorax associated with an intrathoracic goiter in Graves' disease that was treated with radioactive iodine. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old woman with Graves' disease was referred to our clinic with a pleural effusion, dyspnea, characteristic bilateral proptosis, and a diffuse goiter. The pleural fluid biochemistry was consistent with chylothorax. However, the chylothorax did not decrease with conservative therapy. Therefore, RAI was administered. Subsequently, the chylothorax and goiter improved more quickly than expected. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that chylothorax associated with a substernal goiter in Graves' disease can be treated successfully with radioactive iodine instead of surgery.

Surgical treatment of substernal goiter: An analysis of 44 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Substernal goiters are classified as primary or secondary intrathoracic goiters. Here, we report the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and postoperative complications of 44 substernal goiters (2 primary mediastinal goiter and 42 secondary mediastinal goiters). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 351 patients undergoing thyroidectomy at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of the Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center. Between 2009 and 2015, 44 patients underwent surgery for substernal goiter. RESULTS: The frequency of primary and secondary mediastinal goiters was 0.5% and 11.9%, respectively. The preoperative symptoms were neck mass, dyspnea, and dysphagia. Eight patients were asymptomatic. Thirty-nine patients had benign masses and 5 patients had malignant masses. Most patients were operated on for adenomatous goiters (52.2%). In ten cases beyond the aortic arch, the tumors were benign and there were eight cases of adenomatous goiter. All patients underwent a successful transcervical incision without sternotomy. Even the primary intrathoracic goiters were extracted after total thyroidectomy via the cervical approach without complications. Although one case showed unilateral recurrent nerve paralysis as a postoperative complication, phonetic function improved in 6 postoperative months. No instances of postoperative bleeding or definitive hypoparathyroidism occurred, and tracheostomy was not performed in any of the cases. CONCLUSION: The cervical approach was safely performed in almost all substernal goiters without an extracervical procedure. Selected cases of primary mediastinal goiter may be excised via the cervical approach.

Complete transthoracic resection of giant posterior mediastinal goiter: case report and review of surgical strategies.

Intrathoracic goiters generally occupy anterior mediastinum, rarely involving the posterior mediastinal space. Reported herein is a 54-year-old female with a giant posterior mediastinal mass that was successfully resected via right posterolateral thoracotomy. The final pathologic diagnosis was giant posterior mediastinal goiter. This patient has done well postoperatively, with no evidence of local recurrence at 12-month follow-up. Related surgical strategies in past publications are summarized.

Bocio Intratorácico / Intrathoracic goiter

El bocio intratorácico se define como aquel bocio que se encuentra parcial o totalmente en el mediastino; su incidencia está en relación con el bocio multinodular. Es asintomático entre el 20­30%. Su diagnóstico se hace por pruebas de imagen; su Gold estándar es la tomografía axial computarizada. El tratamiento más efectivo y recomendado es la cirugía, sobre todo para pacientes con síntomas opresivos o con sospecha de malignidad y bocios hiperfuncionantes en quienes el tratamiento farmacológico no fue exitoso. Se detalla el caso de una paciente de 59 años de edad, quien, con síntomas opresivos esternales, a quien se le diagnostica masa mediastínica, la cual se resuelve con indicación quirúrgica, siendo resolutiva para la paciente, con mejoras en la sintomatología y diagnostico de benignidad. (AU)

Intrathoracic goiter is defined as partially or totally in the mediastinum; its incidence is related to multinodular goiter. It is asymptomatic in 20-30%. Its diagnosis is made by imaging tests; the gold standard is computerized axial tomography. Treatment can be pharmacological with risk of recurrence; the most effective and recommended is surgery, especially for patients with oppressive symptoms or with suspected malignancy. We present the case of a 59-year-old patient with sternal oppressive symptoms, who is diagnosed with a mediastinal mass, which resolved by surgery, with improvements in symptoms and a diagnosis of benignity. (AU)

Intrathoracic toxic thyroid nodule causing hyperthyroidism with a multinodular normal functional cervical thyroid gland.

Radionuclide scintigraphy with I-131 and Tc-99m pertechnetate ((99)mTc04) has been widely used in detecting toxic nodules. Intrathoracic goiter usually presents as an anterior mediastinal mass. Mostly the connection between intrathoracic mass and the cervical thyroid gland is clearly and easily identified occurring as a result of inferior extension of thyroid tissue in the neck, which is called as secondary intrathoracic goiter. Completely separated, aberrant or in other words primary intrathoracic goiters arise as a result of abnormal embryologic migration of ectopic thyroid closely associated with aortic sac and descend into the mediastinum. Intrathoracic goiters are generally nontoxic nodules existing with mass effect without causing hyperthyroidism. However, mostly reported cases had enlarged thyroid glands in the neck. This report demonstrates the usefulness of I-131 and (99)mTc04 scintigraphy for detecting intrathoracic goiter causing hyperthyroidism with a normal functioned cervical thyroid gland.

Should asymptomatic retrosternal goitre be left untreated? A prospective single-centre study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Retrosternal goiter may cause symptoms of airway obstruction and dysphagia, but often it is asymptomatic and is increasingly detected incidentally with imaging investigations. Consensus has been reached that sternotomy is not necessary in most cases, as a collar incision normally suffices. Yet, surgery for retrosternal goiter is associated with more complications than cervical goiter. There is controversy over whether patients with asymptomatic retrosternal goiter should be operated. Proponents argue that retrosternal goiter may be a risk for thyroid cancer and may progress to later cause symptoms, although clear evidence is missing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1984 and 2012, 132 patients underwent surgery for benign retrosternal goiter. Preoperatively, the benign nature was clinically apparent and confirmed by fine needle cytology in most cases. RESULTS: Sternotomy was required in only 4 of the 132 operations. Three patients died in the postoperative period. The risk of morbidity and mortality was 16.7% in 60 patients with compression symptoms and 13.9% in 72 patients without compression symptoms (P = 0.808). Histology revealed no case of unsuspected cancer. CONCLUSION: Surgery for retrosternal goiters involves a higher risk for complications than do cervical goiters, and the risk does not differ between patients with and without symptoms. This, and the fact that no patient in this study had unsuspected cancer, calls into question the rationale for surgery in patients with asymptomatic retrosternal goiter without suspected cancer.

An unusual recurrent bilateral posterior mediastinal goiter after subtotal thyroidectomy: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of benign thyroid diseases need to be followed up closely, since recurrent thyroid nodules can be seen after subtotal thyroidectomy. Intrathoracic goiter (ITG) occurs in 10-30% of patients following subtotal thyroidectomy. In general these goiters are benign, having a malignant rate of only 2-22%. ITG grows slowly but steadily and in its process of development, it narrows the thoracic inlet by compressing the surrounding structures. Most of these can not located in the anterior mediastinum, others located in posterior retrovascular area. Bilateral posterior retrovascular goiters are very rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case involving a 61-year-old woman with history of gradual-onset dyspnea who was referred to us for evaluation of a large mediastinal mass. She had undergone bilateral thyroid lobectomy for a cervical goiter 10 years ago. The mass was removed successfully via median sternotomy without complication. The patient recovered well and was discharged in 1 week. DISCUSSION: Most anterior mediastinal goiters can be resected through a transcervical approach, but if those extending beyond the aortic arch into the posterior mediastinum are better dealt with by sternotomy or lateral thoracotomy. CONCLUSION: Bilateral recurrent posterior mediastinal and retrovascular large goiters are better resected via sternotomy rather than lateral thoracotomy. The reason for that are the possibility of injury to large vascular structures and the difficulty of their management through lateral thoracotomy when cardiopulmonary bypass needed.

Best approach for posterior mediastinal goiter removal: transcervical incision and lateral thoracotomy.

Surgical removal of intrathoracic goiter can be performed by a cervical approach in the majority of patients. Review of literature shows that experienced surgeons need to perform an extracervical approach in 2-3% of cases. In spite of surgical management of substernal goiter is well defined, there is little available information about surgical approach of intrathoracic goiters extending beyond the aortic arch into the posterior mediastinum. We report two cases and propose combination of cervical incision and muscle-sparing lateral thoracotomy for posterior mediastinal goiter removal. In such cases, we do not favour sternotomy as posterior mediastinum is inaccessible due to the presence of heart and great vessels anterior to the thyroidal mass that would lead to perform a perilous blind dissection. Based in our experience, transcervical and thoracotomy approach is indicated for a complete and safe posterior mediastinal goiter removal.