Spontaneous thyroid parenchymal hemorrhage causing acute airway obstruction and its endovascular treatment: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Massive parenchymal hemorrhage of the thyroid gland is very rare. Some of these can reach a life-threatening level. Case Presentation: A 70-year-old female patient approached the emergency department with swelling and redness on her neck after a routine dialysis session. In the neck computed tomography obtained, there was a massive hematoma originating from the thyroid gland parenchyma. The hematoma was causing airway compression. We performed thyroid artery embolization and within days, hematoma dimensions and compression effect disappeared without surgical treatment. Conclusion: Massive hemorrhage of the thyroid gland parenchyma is very rare and can reach life-threatening dimensions. Effective and rapid treatment should be done. As an alternative to surgery, endovascular treatment can be life-saving.