Cervico-Thoracic Goiter Indicating a Sternotomy: Report of One Case

Introduction: The Otolaryngologist is daily confronted about management of goiters with cervical expression, whether they are benign or malignant. Goiter can be only plunging easily controllable by cervical approach. In rare cases goiter can occur as a cervical and thoracic expression, thereby requiring multidisciplinary team management involving thoracic surgeon, anesthesiologist and Otolaryngologist. Results: The diagnosis of goiter was based on clinic on airway signs worsen during pregnancy and also chest CT scans. Surgery treatment had been done by cervicotomy in order to control the cervical part, and median sternotomy for control of the most voluminous chest part. Post-operative was uneventful. Pathological exam confirmed benign lesion. Conclusion: CT scan is effective exam in diagnosis of thoracic goiter. In our daily practice, ORL must keep in mind possibility of thoracic goiter if compression respiratory signs are present. Treatment of that disease requires multi disciplinary approach.