title: Tracheal varices caused by mediastinal compression of a large intrathoracic goiter: report of a case.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tracheal varices are a rare condition but they can be an important source of massive or recurrent haemoptysis. Usually they are related to increased pressure in the pulmonary veins. Mediastinal goiter is often associated to compressive effects on the surrounding structures, including mediastinal vessels with potential superior vena cava syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a case, not previously reported in literature, of mediastinal goiter with hemoptysis as first clinical manifestation. Bleeding was attributed to a superior vena cava syndrome associated to a tracheal fragile mucosa with an easily bleeding intramural nodule which was diagnosed as tracheal varices after total thyroidectomy. The nodule in fact disappeared together with the venous hypertensive signs after venous decompression of the mediastinum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compressive symptoms including tracheal varices, related to mediastinal goiter, can be treated surgically by total thyroidectomy via cervicotomy and when required with associated median sternotomy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lucchini
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Santoprete
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Triola
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Polistena
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Monacelli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Avenia
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sanguinetti
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Puma
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Avenia
mesh_terms: D006045:Goiter, Substernal / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods; D014132:Trachea / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*
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