Vocal fold paralysis following fine needle aspiration of the thyroid gland complicated by a neck hematoma

Objective: To describe the mechanism and clinical course of vocal fold paralysis (VFP) following fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid gland. Case report: An 80-year old female presented to the emergency room due to hoarseness, dyspnea, and neck swelling. Her history was significant for FNA of the thyroid gland eight days earlier. Physical examination revealed left VFP and a left neck mass. Computed tomography of the neck was suggestive of a left neck hematoma. She was treated conservatively and her pain and neck swelling subsided gradually. Good left vocal movement was observed four months later. Conclusion: VFP is a rare complication of FNA of the thyroid gland. Physicians performing this procedure should be aware of this complication. We suggest that this sequela be discussed with the patient prior to the procedure and be included in the informed patient consent form. Correspondence to: Yael Oestreicher-Kedem, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center 6 Weizman St. Tel-Aviv, Israel, Tel: +972-52-6212179; Fax: +972-36052905; E-mail: dkyo@013.net