Unusual Horner's Syndrome in Recurrent Breast Cancer: Evaluation Using 18F-FDG PET/CT

Horner's Syndrome and Lymphocele Following Thyroid Surgery

Horner’s syndrome (HS), caused by lesions of the 3-neuron oculosympathetic nerve pathway (ONP), includes the triad: blepharoptosis, miosis and anhidrosis (ipsilateral with ONP damage). Thyroid−related HS represents an unusual entity underling thyroid nodules/goiter/cancer−HS (T-HS), and post-thyroidectomy HS (Tx-HS). We aim to overview Tx-HS. This is a narrative review. We revised PubMed published, full-length, English papers from inception to November 2022. Additionally, we introduced data on post-thyroidectomy lymphocele/chylous leakage (Tx-L), and introduced a new pediatric case with both Tx-HS and Tx-L. Tx-HS: the level of statistical evidence varies from isolated case reports, studies analyzing the large panel of post-thyroidectomy complications reporting HS among the rarest side effects (as opposite to hypocalcemia), or different series of patients with HS due to various disorders, including T-HS/Tx-HS. Tx-HS is related to benign or malignant thyroid conditions, regardless the type of surgery. A pre-operatory rate of T-HS of 0.14%; a post-operatory rate of Tx-HS between 0.03% and 5% (mostly, 0.2%) are identified; a possible higher risk on endoscopic rather than open procedure is described. Incomplete HS forms, and pediatric onset are identified, too; the earliest identification is after 2 h since intervention. A progressive remission is expected in most cases within the first 2−6 months to one year. The management is mostly conservative; some used glucocorticoids and neurotrophic agents. One major pitfall is an additional contributor factor like a local compression due to post-operatory collections (hematoma, cysts, fistula, Tx-L) and their correction improves the outcome. The prognostic probably depends on the severity of cervical sympathetic chain (CSC) lesions: indirect, mild injury due to local compressive masses, intra-operatory damage of CSC like ischemia and stretching of CSC by the retractor associate HS recovery, while CSC section is irreversible. Other iatrogenic contributors to HS are: intra-operatory manipulation of parathyroid glands, thyroid microwave/radiofrequency ablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound, and percutaneous ethanol injection into thyroid nodules. Tx-L, rarely reported (mostly <0.5%, except for a ratio of 8.3% in one study), correlates with extended surgery, especially lateral/central neck dissection, and the presence of congenitally—aberrant lymphatic duct; it is, also, described after endoscopic procedures and chest-breast approach; it starts within days after surgery. Typically low-fat diet (even fasting and parental nutrition) and tube drainage are useful (as part of conservative management); some used octreotide, local sealing solutions like hypertonic glucose, Viscum album extract, n-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Re-intervention is required in severe cases due to the risk of lymphorrhoea and chylothorax. Early identification of Tx-HS and Tx-L improves the outcome. Some iatrogenic complications are inevitable and a multifactorial model of prediction is still required, also taking into consideration standardized operatory procedures, skillful intra-operatory manipulation, and close post-operatory follow-up of the patients, especially during modern era when thyroid surgery registered a massive progress allowing an early discharge of the patients.

Concurrent manifestations of Horner's syndrome and esophageal metastasis of breast cancer: case report of a young woman after a period of non-adherence to treatment: a case report

BACKGROUND

Esophageal involvement and Horner's syndrome are rare manifestations of breast cancer distant metastases that can pose a significant challenge in diagnosis and treatment. In addition to the more aggressive behavior of breast cancer diagnosed in young women, non-adherence to treatment is associated with increased risk of distant metastasis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 36-year-old Javanese woman presented to our institution with dysphagia, hoarseness, and frequent hiccups. In the 6 weeks prior to the current admission, the patient also reported tingling in the neck and shoulder, anhidrosis in the left hemifacial region, and drooping of the upper left eyelid. She was previously managed as tuberculoid laryngitis. Plain X-rays showed burst fractures of the cervical vertebrae and slight pleural effusion. Laryngoscopy revealed bowing of the vocal cords and liquid residue in the vallecula that was reduced upon chin tuck. Esophageal metastasis was confirmed with endoscopy showing thickening of the wall and positive cytology swab with ductal malignant cells. The patient had a history of breast cancer with a period of loss to follow-up of 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians should consider potential distant metastasis of breast cancer to the esophagus and sympathetic nervous system of the neck particularly in a high-risk woman with presentation of dysphagia and manifestations of Horner's syndrome.