Open AccessTracheal Perforation from Primary Thyroid Lymphoma
Author(s) -
Chen Cynthia,
Tibbetts Kathleen,
Schiff Bradley
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599812451426a191
Subject(s) - medicine , thyroid lymphoma , tracheotomy , airway , airway obstruction , perforation , surgery , thyroid , airway management , radiology , thyroiditis , materials science , punching , metallurgy
Objective To describe a rare case of tracheal perforation due to invasive primary thyroid lymphoma and suggest that expectant management with temporary airway protection is an option to invasive interventions such as tracheotomy and tracheal stent placement. Method We report a case of primary B‐cell thyroid lymphoma causing acute airway obstruction in an elderly female who required emergency endotracheal intubation for airway protection. Results After receiving one cycle of chemotherapy with rapid response in terms of tumor size reduction, she was found to have extensive anterior tracheal wall necrosis and perforation on both radiologic imaging and direct bronchoscopic examination. She was able to be quickly extubated and survived without intervention. Conclusion There is currently no standard of care in terms of management of invasive thyroid lymphoma causing airway obstruction due to its rare incidence. We propose that expectant management with temporary airway protection is an option to procedures such as tracheotomy or tracheal stenting, even in the scenario of airway perforation.