Substernal multinodular goiter resulting in superior vena cava syndrome and tracheal compression

Abstract

A woman in her early 70s presented to the family medicine clinic with shortness of breath and an inability to lie flat for several months. When lying flat or on lifting her arms above her head, her face would turn bright red and she felt lightheaded. The patient also had hair loss and skin colour changes of the upper extremities. On examination, the thyroid was palpated and felt normal without enlargement or nodularity. Considering the patient’s 70–90 pack-year smoking history, a malignant process of the lung causing superior vena cava syndrome was suspected. CT chest with intravenous contrast revealed a markedly enlarged thyroid with substernal extension of a multinodular goitre producing a mass effect in the upper mediastinum. Thyroid-stimulating hormone was normal. The patient had a total thyroidectomy performed by endocrine surgery. Pathology revealed multinodular hyperplasia and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. The patient recovered well postoperatively and her compressive symptoms resolved.