Huge intrathyroidal hematoma causing airway obstruction: A multidisciplinary challenge

Thyroid hemorrhage is a relatively frequent event that in most cases causes pain and discomfort only, while rarely can cause significant neck swelling. Even more rarely, however, extensive thyroid hemorrhage can result in a rapidly expanding hematoma with airway compromise. We report a case of a rapidly expanding thyroid hemorrhage that occurred secondary to oral anticoagulation therapy in an 80-year-old patient with a previously existing goiter. The patient presented with acute onset of neck pain, dysphagia, and respiratory distress caused by tracheal compression from the thyroid mass. Computed tomography demonstrated a 6 X 9 X 10 cm mass consistent with an intrathyroidal hematoma projecting into the anterior mediastinum and displacing the trachea to the left. Rapid reversal of the coagulopathy was achieved with fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K. Consequently, the patient was managed conservatively with close observation, antibiotics, and steroids because no progression of airway compromise was manifested. Although the diagnosis can be easily established in these patients, no management guidelines of this condition exist. The potential of rapid airway compromise and the risk for exacerbation of bleeding in the light of significant elevation in the international normalized ratio (INR), make any airway management decisions very difficult. The importance of managing the airway and the haemostatic problem with the help of a multidisciplinary team is discussed.