# The Resolution of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Patient with Goiter after Total Thyroidectomy: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A patient with a large goiter and severe sleep apnea saw her symptoms resolve after thyroid removal, suggesting goiters may contribute to sleep apnea.

## Contribution

This case report highlights goiter as a potential independent risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.

## Key findings

- Total thyroidectomy led to the resolution of severe OSA symptoms in a patient.
- OSA symptoms improved without changes in BMI or other known risk factors.
- Post-surgery respiratory polygraphy showed a normal AHI, indicating successful treatment.

## Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be linked to various factors that narrow the upper airways, such as obesity, adenotonsillar hypertrophy and craniofacial abnormalities. Hypothyroidism has also been described as a risk factor for OSA. However, the implication of goiter independently of thyroid function in the occurrence of OSA remains unclear. We present the case of a 66-year-old woman with a large compressive multinodular goiter for whom total thyroidectomy was indicated. During the preoperative assessment, the patient had a body mass index (BMI) of 37.8 kg/m2 with symptoms of OSA. Respiratory polygraphy confirmed the diagnosis of severe OSA (apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) = 32), and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was initiated prior to thyroid surgery. Surprisingly, after total thyroidectomy, OSA symptoms disappeared, and the patient abandoned CPAP therapy. Subsequent respiratory polygraphy after thyroidectomy showed a decrease in AHI to a normal value (AHI < 5). Interestingly, there was no change in BMI or other factors explaining the resolution of OSA, except for thyroidectomy. This case report suggests that goiter can be considered a risk factor for OSA. However, prospective studies are needed to accurately assess the effects of goiter on the occurrence of OSA according to its dimensions and local extension.