Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis with Deep Neck Infection: A Case Report

Abstract

Thyroid gland suppuration is a rare condition with nonspecific features. For this reason, diagnosis is often delayed, which may lead to a life-threatening situation. Causative agents are often gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. With appropriate antibiotics and drainage of the abscess, the prognosis is usually excellent. Herein, we describe a unique case of acute suppurative thyroiditis in an adult male presenting with nonspecific sore throat after a fish bone injury to the throat. The patient had a history of essential hypertension and gouty arthritis. In the emergency room, fever, chills, and neck swelling were noted. Thyroid echo and computed tomography of the neck revealed the thyroid abscess with deep neck infection. The culture of the abscess showed Streptococcus viridans. He recovered gradually after parenteral antibiotics and surgical intervention.