Horner syndrome-A Rare Complication after Thyroidectomy for Benign Thyroid Swelling

Horner syndrome occurring after thyroidectomy is a rare entity and most of the reported cases have happened after surgeries on malignant thyroid swellings. In the present report, we describe a 27-year-old female who developed ptosis, miosis, enophthalmos, and anhidrosis on the second post-operative day after thyroidectomy for benign goiter. Post-operative ultrasound, computed tomography of neck, nerve conduction study, and electromyography of brachial plexus were unremarkable. Patient was kept on conservative management. She was given short course of Prednisolone orally for 2 weeks and was discharged on 150 mcg thyroxine. She had significant improvement in ptosis, miosis, and enophthalmos after six months. Horner syndrome is a rare but an important complication after thyroidectomy which may lead to cosmetic disfigurement. Surgeons should be well aware of this possibility and its presentation for timely recognition and management postoperatively. Early intervention should be done for any reversible cause, i.e., hematoma and oral steroids should be initiated as early as possible.