An unusual presentation of a calcified thyroid gland

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Dec 10:2012:bcr2012007844. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-007844.

Abstract

A multinodular goitre with cystic degeneration with haemorrhage and subsequent calcification is a common occurrence in long-standing multinodular goitres. But extensive enlargement and calcification causing obstructive symptoms including dysphagia and tracheal shift has not been commonly reported in the literature. Our patient, an 82-year-old man presented with long-standing dysphagia and tracheal shift. His case proved challenging with the retrosternal location of the calcified gland, needing a collar neck incision and a manubriotomy to assess the thyroid. There was a large calcified shell to the gland that made mobilising and removing the gland very difficult. Histology revealed a large multinodular goitre with a large calcified cyst representing previous cyst haemorrhage which underwent calcification. Symptoms resolved postsurgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Calcinosis / complications
  • Calcinosis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Thyroid Diseases / complications
  • Thyroid Diseases / diagnosis*