Three cases of acute suppurative thyroiditis in children

ABSTRACT

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is uncommon in children. The relative rarity of thyroid infection is thought to reflect its complete fibrous encapsulation, generous vascular and lymphatic supply and high local iodine level. The bacterial involvement include the normal oropharyngeal microflora, and broad spectrum antibiotic therapy including anaerobic coverage should be utilized initially. We have experienced three cases of acute suppurative throiditis. All of them had painfull swelling on anterior cervical area and diagnosed by clinical and radiological features. Since two of them occured repeatedly, we report with brief review of literatures.