Spectrum of advanced upper airway obstruction due to goiters.
Five patients with advanced upper airway obstruction due to goiter were identified in our institution. All had symptoms of respiratory insufficiency to such a degree that surgery was clearly indicated. Functional characteristics of this group were compared with prior series of goiter patients who had less severe respiratory symptoms. A peak inspiratory flow less than 1.5 L/sec characterized this group who required surgery.
D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006042:Goiter / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation