Pseudoaneurysm of the inferior thyroid artery presenting as a thyroid nodule

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Endocrinology
• Radiology

Background:

• Thyroid nodules are common, but vascular complications are rare.
• Pseudoaneurysms can arise from iatrogenic injury or underlying vascular conditions.

Observation:

• A 63-year-old woman presented with a growing neck mass.
• Sonography and advanced imaging revealed a complex thyroid nodule with cystic components.
• The cystic areas were identified as a pseudoaneurysm of the right inferior thyroid artery.

Findings:

• The pseudoaneurysm was associated with a history of thyroid needle biopsy.
• Surgical intervention via right lobectomy successfully treated the pseudoaneurysm.
• The procedure was performed without complications.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering vascular pseudoaneurysms in the differential diagnosis of complex thyroid nodules.
• Prior invasive procedures like thyroid needle biopsy may be a risk factor for pseudoaneurysm formation.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes.