title: [Substernal goiter].
abstract: In a series of 363 patients operated for goiter, 60 were retrosternal (16.5%). The female incidence although less than in cervical goiters remains predominant (2.5:1). Most patients are in older age group, 68% being above 40 years. The majority of goiters are multinodular and of long duration. Bilateral (37%) and left sided location (43%) were common. The incidence of cancer was 7%, thyrotoxicosis was noted in 5 patients (8%). Most patients were symptomatic (97%). Diagnosis is easily done by physical examination, chest X-ray and thyroid scintigraphy. Computed tomography might be helpful. Retrosternal goiter is an indication to surgery except in high risk patients. The cervical approach has been used in 98% of cases. There were no post-operative death and no major complications (compressive hematoma, laryngeal nerve paralysis, hypocalcemia).
authors.affiliation: Faculté de Médecine, hôpital Saint-Georges, Beyrouth, Liban.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Daou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006045:Goiter, Substernal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology
vernacular_title: Les goitres plongeants.