Improvement in Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis and Tracheal Deviation after Surgical Resection of a Mediastinal Parathyroid Cyst: A Case Report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mediastinal parathyroid cyst is a rare cystic disease that involves the parathyroid tissue within its walls. This case report is the first to document a mediastinal parathyroid cyst with recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and tracheal deviation that improved after surgical resection.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old man experienced hoarseness and dyspnea upon exertion for 1 month. Computed tomography revealed a mediastinal cystic lesion with a maximum diameter of 78 mm, compressing the trachea. Laryngofiberscopy suggested long-term left recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Tumor resection was performed while preserving the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. The pathological examination led to the diagnosis of a mediastinal parathyroid cyst. Postoperatively, both tracheal deviation and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis improved.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection improved the tracheal deviation and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis caused by a mediastinal parathyroid cyst. Long-standing recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis can improve, emphasizing the need for proactive surgical intervention and the importance of careful preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.