AI Article Synopsis
- Asymptomatic intrathoracic goiter can cause respiratory tract obstruction, which is often overlooked.
- A study of 21 patients who underwent thyroid surgery revealed mild respiratory obstruction in 10% to 20% of cases before the procedure, depending on the patient's position.
- Post-surgery, all patients with obstruction returned to normal respiratory function, indicating that timely surgery is important for improving respiratory health.
Article Abstract
Respiratory tract obstruction is underestimated in asymptomatic intrathoracic goiter. Our aim was to evaluate the involvement of the upper airway of asymptomatic patients with intrathoracic multinodular goiter, assessing the effect on respiratory function by means of spirometry. We selected 21 patients with asymptomatic intrathoracic goiter on whom a thyroidectomy had been performed. Spirometry was done in supine decubitus and in standing position before and 3 months after surgery. The preoperative study in decubitus showed mild obstruction in 4 cases (20%). In 2 of these cases this condition was also present in standing position (10%). Spirometry became normal after surgery in the 4 patients with obstruction. To conclude, spirometry in asymptomatic intrathoracic goiter shows mild obstruction of respiratory function in 10% to 20% of cases, depending on position. Surgery was associated with normalization of the abnormal parameters and an improvement in the remaining parameters. These data support the need to schedule surgery as soon as possible.
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