Traumatic Intrathyroidal Hematoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

BackgroundTraumatic 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.MethodsPatient 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.ResultsRapid operating room arrangement allowed for prevention of airway compromise, straight forward intubation, and resolution of thyroid pathology prior to clinical decompensation.ConclusionsWe 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.