Posterior Mediastinal Ectopic Thyroid: An Unusual Cause for Dysphagia

Abstract

Posterior mediastinum is an atypical localization for the occurrence of ectopic thyroid. We present a case of a 62-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency department with atypical chest pain and dysphagia. The patient was diagnosed as having a true posterior mediastinal ectopic thyroid, which caused esophageal compression. The tumor was completely resected through a sternotomy, with favorable outcome and relief of symptoms. (Ann Thorac Surg 2009; 88: 656-9) (C) 2009 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons