Thyroid gland hematoma after blunt cervical trauma

Abstract

Thyroid hematoma is a rare cause of airway obstruction in victims of blunt trauma. The case of a 34-year-old woman who developed orthopnea after a low-energy motor vehicle accident is described. Presenting greater than 24 hours after her accident, the patient noted dysphagia, tracheal deviation, and postural dyspnea. The diagnosis of thyroid gland hematoma was made with a combination of fiberoptic laryngoscopy, cervical computed tomography, and great vessel and carotid angiography. Invasive airway management was not required. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy and recovered without complications.