[Acute respiratory insufficiency caused by plunging goiter (author's transl)].

Acute respiratory insufficiency and unconsciousness are symptoms which may lead to misinterpretation. In cases of unclear acute respiratory insufficiency one should think of the rare plunging goiter with acute tracheostenosist, especially in female patients over 40 years. Diagnosis can easily be found if the patient is thoroughly observed. Resection of the retrosternal struma is the only possible therapy. One case of plunging goiter is described here.