Intratracheal ectopic thyroid: a rare cause of upper airway obstruction
Abstract
Intra-tracheal thyroid is a rare ectopic thyroid disease. Presenting symptoms can mimic those of airway obstruction such as bronchial asthma. We report the case of a male patient who presented with airway obstruction due to thyroid ectopia and was misdiagnosed initially with bronchial asthma. After a correct diagnosis of intratracheolaryneal thyroid, the case was managed by excision. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for patients with clinical signs of airway obstruction. We present our experience of his one-month follow-up after resection. Currently, the patient is free of symptoms.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Head and Neck Anomalies
Tracheal and airway disorders
Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
- Volume
- 76
- Issue
- 02
- Pages
- 251–254
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Language
- EN