Search 33,000+ CME courses
Back

StatPearls, LLC

  • Goiter, Substernal
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Iodine
  • Thyroid Dysgenesis

Substernal Goiter

Substernal goiter refers to thyroid tissue within the thoracic cavity, typically caused by an enlarging thyroid gland extending through the thoracic inlet. Less commonly, this condition results from ectopic thyroid tissues, which are often remnants of embryonic development. Although definitions of substernal goiter vary across the literature, key features remain consistent. The condition arises from the same underlying mechanisms as cervical goiter, with iodine supplementation having a vital role in reducing its global prevalence. Substernal goiters usually grow slowly and are most commonly diagnosed in the fifth or sixth decade of life. Although many cases are asymptomatic, substernal goiter may be detected incidentally during unrelated imaging or when patients present with compressive symptoms, such as tracheal or esophageal compression. In severe instances, life-threatening tracheal compression can occur, requiring urgent intervention. Imaging techniques, particularly computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, are crucial for evaluating the size, extent, and anatomical relationships of substernal goiters. Surgical intervention is recommended for symptomatic cases, compressive symptoms, or other appropriate indications. Asymptomatic patients are typically addressed with close monitoring, including precautions to prevent iodine-induced hyperthyroidism. This activity focuses on the evaluation and management of substernal goiter and emphasizes the critical role of the interprofessional healthcare team in enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABOHNS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 9 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • includes Board review / self-assessment
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

Related courses

See all

Other providers’ courses on the same topic

More from StatPearls, LLC

See all

This provider’s courses closest to this one