The management of chronic thyroid abscess in children: 16 cases / 中华内分泌外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo discuss the management of chronic thyroid abscess in children. MethodsThe diagnosis and management of 16 children with chronic thyroid abscess admitted from Jul. 2007 to Jun. 2010 in Department of Thyroid Surgery of Sun Yat-ssn Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were checked by Doppler ultrasound. ResultsOf the patients, 6 were males and 10 were females. The time of onset was from 3.2 years to 8.5 years, with 4. 6 years as the median. Hypoechoic or mixed echoic lesions in thyroid were seen on Doppler ultrasound scan in all patients. Abscess was found on the left side of thyroid in 11 cases (68.8％), and on the right side in 5 cases (31.2％). Abscess in 12 cases (75％) occupied the whole thyroid and began encroaching the adjacent tissues. Hypodermic fistula was found in 7 cases (43.75％). 12 cases (75％) underwent part resection of thyroid gland, and 4 cases (25％) underwent total resection of thyroid gland and debridement. All patients recovered and no complication like vocal hoarseness occurred. No recurrence happened within the follow-up of 3 months to 5 years. ConclusionsThe effective diagnosis of chronic thyroid abscess in children is to perform Doppler ultrasound scan of thyroid gland before operation. Abscess and fistula resection, partial or total resection of the affected side of thyroid gland are needed. Wound drainage and postoperative antibiotc are also helpful.