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Vocal cord paralysis and tracheal rupture secondary to thyroid abscess
Author(s) -
Lee Dong Hoon,
Yoon Tae Mi,
Lee Joon Kyoo,
Lim Sang Chul
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
surgical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.109
H-Index - 10
eISSN - 1744-1633
pISSN - 1744-1625
DOI - 10.1111/1744-1633.12164
Subject(s) - medicine , vocal cord paralysis , paralysis , abscess , surgery , retropharyngeal abscess , thyroid , mediastinitis , cord , swallowing , larynx , differential diagnosis , thyroidectomy , pathology
Vocal cord paralysis involving tracheal rupture secondary to thyroid abscess is extremely rare. We report a case of a patient with a thyroid abscess that eventually led to vocal cord paralysis, tracheal rupture and mediastinitis, and the patient consequently died. When a patient develops hoarseness, fever and neck pain, the clinician should examine the larynx and neck to consider the possibility of vocal cord paralysis secondary to thyroid abscess in the differential diagnosis. If thyroid abscess is diagnosed, early initiation of intravenous antibiotics and prompt surgical drainage are essential to minimize severe complications.