MediAI

  Introduction Substernal goiter , also referred to as retrosternal goiter or intrathoracic thyroid goiter , is a clinically significant thyroid disorder characterized by the extension of thyroid tissue from the cervical region into the mediastinum. Although often slow-growing and initially asymptomatic, substernal goiter can lead to life-threatening airway and esophageal compression , making early recognition and accurate imaging diagnosis critical. With increasing longevity of the population and improved cross-sectional imaging, substernal goiter is being diagnosed more frequently, particularly in elderly patients. This article provides a comprehensive, evidence-based review of substernal goiter, integrating pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, differential diagnosis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis , supported by classic and contemporary landmark literature . All imaging findings discussed below directly correspond to the attached clin...