To demonstrate the usefulness of pre-operative selective embolisation of the thyroid arteries in an unusual case with a large, vascular thyroid tumour.

A 29-year-old man presented with a large papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (weighing approximately 300 g on palpation) with extension to the mediastinum and compression of the trachea. A computed tomography scan of the neck and thorax revealed a large tumour the solid part of which was enhanced after contrast medium application, indicating a substantial vascular supply. Pre-operative selective embolisation of both superior thyroid arteries and one inferior thyroid artery, using gelatin sponge particles, was performed 4 days before surgery, under conventional angiography. After selective embolisation of these thyroid arteries, the patient experienced mild anterior neck pain and mild fever. This procedure allowed a significant reduction in blood perfusion to the tumour, which facilitated its surgical removal without blood transfusion.

Pre-operative selective embolisation of both superior thyroid arteries and one inferior thyroid artery may be an effective, minimally invasive procedure for patients with a large, vascular thyroid tumour.