Abstract

Spontaneous thyroid cartilage fractures are extremely rare and occur without apparent external trauma. The exact causes and mechanisms remain not fully understood. Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion when evaluating patients with unexplained acute neck pain, voice changes, swallowing difficulties, or respiratory distress to consider the possibility this entity. The role of radiology is the key to establish this diagnosis, evaluate the extent of this injury and guide formulating a patient specific management plan. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck is the main evaluation tool when the suspicion for this injury is high. In this case we demonstrate the role and superiority of thin axial CT images of the neck (0.63 mm) in establishing diagnosis of this entity. Comprehensive care with clinical expertise of emergency physicians, otolaryngologists, and radiologists, is paramount in identifying these fractures, assessing associated injuries, and guiding optimal patient care.