Int J Thyroidol.  2024 Nov;17(2):304-308. 10.11106/ijt.2024.17.2.304.

Diagnosing Dysphagia Due to Thyroid Nodules by Thyroid Ultrasound, a Case Series

• Idrees Z
• Morkos M

• KMID: 2561612
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/ijt.2024.17.2.304

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Thyroid nodules can cause dysphagia by direct esophageal compression. Diagnosis of esophageal compression during thyroid ultrasound (US) has not been described.
Materials and Methods
We present a case series of four patients who presented with dysphagia due to compressive thyroid nodules. Thyroid US demonstrated esophageal compression due to the culprit nodules, which were subsequently treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Two benign biopsies were confirmed for each before ablation. Symptom scoring was used to assess the severity of dysphagia before and one month after the procedure.
Results
All patients reported improvement in their dysphagia and a decline in symptom scores a month after the procedure. Thyroid US also demonstrated improvement in esophageal compression at that time.
Conclusion
Thyroid US can be a valuable tool in diagnosing dysphagia due to esophageal compression caused by thyroid nodules.

Keyword

Thyroid ultrasound; Dysphagia; Radiofrequency ablation; Thyroid nodule

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Esophagus assessment by ultrasound. Assessment of esophageal compression by a left superior nodule in case 1 before (left image) and a month after radiofrequency ablation (right image).

Reference

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