Brachial plexus neuropathy resulting from a massively enlarged papillary thyroid carcinoma

Laryngoscope. 2009 Aug;119(8):1550-1. doi: 10.1002/lary.20539.

Abstract

Well-known complications of thyroid enlargement and papillary carcinoma include compression or invasion of the trachea, esophagus, and/or vascular structures. Recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion by thyroid carcinoma is not uncommon, and phrenic nerve invasion has also been described. Preoperative dysfunction of a vocal cord, which often implies invasive carcinoma, may necessitate recurrent laryngeal nerve sacrifice and is therefore rreversible. We present an unusual case of reversible brachial plexus compression in a patient with massive thyroid enlargement and papillary carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / etiology*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / pathology
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / complications
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / surgery
  • Electromyography
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / diagnosis
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Recovery of Function
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / complications
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thyroidectomy / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome