Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Substernal goiters can cause aerodigestive symptoms but are often asymptomatic. This study evaluated the relationship between symptoms, demographics, pathology, and anatomical severity in substernal goiter patients using standardized tools. METHODS: A retrospective review of 201 patients surgically treated for substernal goiters over 11 years at a quaternary-care center was conducted. CT scan images were analyzed to measure tracheal deviation (TD), compression (TC), and depth. Symptoms included dysphagia, dyspnea, dysphonia, and coughing. Associations with demographics, anatomy, and pathology were analyzed. RESULTS: Dysphagia was the most common symptom (48.8%); 27% were asymptomatic. TC and larger specimen weights were significantly associated with dyspnea (p < 0.001, 0.013). TD, depth, age, and BMI showed no significant correlation with symptoms. Cough and vocal cord dysfunction were linked to aggressive pathology (p = 0.003, 0.017). CONCLUSION: CT imaging is essential in evaluating substernal goiters, as symptoms alone are insufficient. Symptom profiles may also aid in predicting pathological severity.
Source: Head & Neck
DOI: 10.1002/hed.70123
Institution: Rush University Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4417023615