Traumatic Intrathyroidal Hematoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND: Traumatic expanding intrathyroidal hematoma is rare and can be clinically obscured, leading to delayed diagnosis and potential airway compromise. Identification and prompt intervention are paramount to survival. METHODS: Patient presented to the emergency department as a modified trauma without signs of respiratory distress or enlarging neck circumference. Comprehensive trauma imaging identified the thyroid pathology prompting otolaryngology involvement. RESULTS: Rapid operating room arrangement allowed for prevention of airway compromise, straight forward intubation, and resolution of thyroid pathology prior to clinical decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: We present an unusual case of traumatic thyroid hematoma in which the bleeding source was contained within the thyroid capsule; intubation and surgical intervention resolved the airway and thyroid pathology. Trauma-indicated imaging allowed for identification in a clinically obscured pathology.