Successful in Utero Treatment of Fetal Goiter and Hypothyroidism

Abstract

A LARGE goiter in a fetus is a rare yet potentially dangerous condition. A large goiter may cause hyperextension of the neck of the fetus, resulting in malpresentation and complicating labor and delivery.1 In the neonate, the goiter can obstruct the trachea and thus cause asphyxia and death.2,3 In this case report, we describe the diagnosis of a large goiter in a fetus, the use of percutaneous umbilical-blood sampling to establish the diagnosis of fetal hypothyroidism, and the successful treatment of the goiter and hypothyroidism by the injection of thyroxine into the amniotic fluid. Case Report A 30-year-old woman with. © 1991, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.