DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2015.v03i11.037

Pages: 1133-1138

The currently accepted definition of an intrathoracic goiter is a thyroid gland with more than 50% of its mass located below the thoracic inlet. This is a rare case of giant retrosternal goiter with also compression of great arteries and cardiac cavities induced heart failure syndrome. A 60 years old woman admitted for superior vena cava syndrome (SVC) with dyspnea, plethoric and puffy neck and face. These symptoms were present for 5 years. She experienced 3 months ago congestive heart failure. Imaging confirmed the development of giant retrosternal goiter, mostly developed from the right lobe in the anterior mediastinum, with vascular compression (superior vena cava, aorta, pulmonary artery), and heart compression (right ventricle).Resection of the thoracic portion was done from the pericardium and pleurae, and then with 1.5 cm median cervical extension, the total excision of the 1400 gr goiter was done. Post-operative period was eventless. Surgical removal of retrosternal goiter is a safe procedure. It permitted relief of symptoms such as SVC syndrome and heart failure symptoms. It should be noticed that the benign thoracic goiter is treatable cause of the SVC syndrome.