Thyroid Hematoma: An Unusual Complication of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Case Report of Spontaneous Thyroid Hemorrhage Following LMA Insertion

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Traumatic hemorrhage within the thyroid following intubation or other airway procedure is a rare occurrence with few documented cases. 3,4 No exact mechanism is known for the cause of these bleeds; however, it has been noted that the presence of a pre-existing thyroid nodule or goiter increases the risk of hemorrhage or hematoma formation. 5,10 One possible mechanism that has been considered involves arteriovenous shunting within the nodules.…”

“…1,2 Preexisting thyroid conditions such as goiters, cysts, or nodules can lead to increased baseline risk of spontaneous hemorrhage. 3,4 External blunt neck trauma has been seen in isolated cases to cause thyroid hemorrhage. [5][6][7] Even less common is endotracheal (ET) intubation leading to thyroid hemorrhage.…”

“…1 Regardless of the cause, thyroid hemorrhages and hematomas present unique airway management challenges that are not typically encountered. [3][4][5][6][7] We present the case of traumatic hemorrhage into thyroid cyst following a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion.…”

Case Report of Spontaneous Thyroid Hemorrhage following LMA insertion

“… 3 – 9 Traumatic hemorrhage within the thyroid following intubation or other airway procedure is a rare occurrence with few documented cases. 3 , 4 No exact mechanism is known for the cause of these bleeds; however, it has been noted that the presence of a pre-existing thyroid nodule or goiter increases the risk of hemorrhage or hematoma formation. 5 , 10 One possible mechanism that has been considered involves arteriovenous shunting within the nodules.…”

“… 1 , 2 Preexisting thyroid conditions such as goiters, cysts, or nodules can lead to increased baseline risk of spontaneous hemorrhage. 3 , 4 External blunt neck trauma has been seen in isolated cases to cause thyroid hemorrhage. 5 – 7 Even less common is endotracheal (ET) intubation leading to thyroid hemorrhage.…”