Acute suppurative thyroiditis due to Streptococcus anginosus leading to sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report

SUMMARY Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is a rare but potentially life-threatening thyroid disease with a high mortality if left untreated. Thus, differentiation from other thyroid disorders is highly important in clinical practice. A 22-year-old male patient was admitted to a tertiary care hospital with cervical pain, palpitations, thyrotoxicosis, and an inhomogeneously enlarged right thyroid lobe. In view of the clinical findings, subacute thyroiditis (SAT) was suspected and treatment with glucocorticoids was started. After initial amelioration, the patient developed cervical erythema, fever, and recurrent pain. A CT scan showed extensive phlegmonous inflammation and abscess formation, suggestive of AST. We started immediate empiric antibiotic therapy and performed surgical drainage of the abscess formations. Subsequently, the patient developed hypoxic respiratory failure, leading to ICU admission and intermittent need for non-invasive ventilation. Blood and abscess cultures were positive for Streptococcus anginosus. If left untreated, AST represents a potentially life-threatening disease. Thus, in clinically doubtful cases, liberal further assessment by means of cervical CT scans or fine needle aspiration biopsy are strongly advised.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis due to Streptococcus anginosus leading to sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is a rare but potentially life-threatening thyroid disease with a high mortality if left untreated. Thus, differentiation from other thyroid disorders is highly important in clinical practice. A 22-year-old male patient was admitted to a tertiary care hospital with cervical pain, palpitations, thyrotoxicosis, and an inhomogeneously enlarged right thyroid lobe. In view of the clinical findings, subacute thyroiditis (SAT) was suspected and treatment with glucocorticoids was started. After initial amelioration, the patient developed cervical erythema, fever, and recurrent pain. A CT scan showed extensive phlegmonous inflammation and abscess formation, suggestive of AST. We started immediate empiric antibiotic therapy and performed surgical drainage of the abscess formations. Subsequently, the patient developed hypoxic respiratory failure, leading to ICU admission and intermittent need for non-invasive ventilation. Blood and abscess cultures were positive for Streptococcus anginosus. If left untreated, AST represents a potentially life-threatening disease. Thus, in clinically doubtful cases, liberal further assessment by means of cervical CT scans or fine needle aspiration biopsy are strongly advised.

Aspiration with or without lavage in the treatment of acute suppurative thyroiditis secondary to pyriform sinus fistula.

Objective There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal management of acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) secondary to pyriform sinus fistula (PSF). To investigate the benefits and adverse events of aspiration with or without lavage for the treatment of AST secondary to PSF. Subjects and methods This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with AST secondary to PSF who were admitted at the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between August 2012 and December 2018. Clinical information, procedural data, and imaging data were analyzed. Results Seven patients (five women; mean age, 16.9 ± 6.3 years; range, 8-26 years) were included. The patients most presented with anterior neck pain and swelling (n = 7), fever (n = 7), or odynophagia (n = 5). Six cases of AST occurred on the left side of the thyroid and 1 on the right. All patients had thyroid abscess. AST was diagnosed by ultrasound-guided needle aspiration cytology in all cases. PSF was diagnosed during the inflammatory stage in five patients and during the quiescent stage in two. All patients were treated with empiric antibiotics. Needle aspiration without lavage was performed in three cases. Needle aspiration with lavage was performed in four cases. Repeat aspiration was performed in three cases. All patients recovered completely, with no procedure-related complications. During 18.3 ± 7.8 months of follow-up, AST recurred in one case. Excision of the PSF was performed in another case. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided aspiration with or without lavage had a good treatment effect and without adverse events for the management of AST secondary to PSF.

Aspiration with or without lavage in the treatment of acute suppurative thyroiditis secondary to pyriform sinus fistula

ABSTRACT Objective There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal management of acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) secondary to pyriform sinus fistula (PSF). To investigate the benefits and adverse events of aspiration with or without lavage for the treatment of AST secondary to PSF. Subjects and methods This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with AST secondary to PSF who were admitted at the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between August 2012 and December 2018. Clinical information, procedural data, and imaging data were analyzed. Results Seven patients (five women; mean age, 16.9 ± 6.3 years; range, 8-26 years) were included. The patients most presented with anterior neck pain and swelling (n = 7), fever (n = 7), or odynophagia (n = 5). Six cases of AST occurred on the left side of the thyroid and 1 on the right. All patients had thyroid abscess. AST was diagnosed by ultrasound-guided needle aspiration cytology in all cases. PSF was diagnosed during the inflammatory stage in five patients and during the quiescent stage in two. All patients were treated with empiric antibiotics. Needle aspiration without lavage was performed in three cases. Needle aspiration with lavage was performed in four cases. Repeat aspiration was performed in three cases. All patients recovered completely, with no procedure-related complications. During 18.3 ± 7.8 months of follow-up, AST recurred in one case. Excision of the PSF was performed in another case. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided aspiration with or without lavage had a good treatment effect and without adverse events for the management of AST secondary to PSF.

Acute spontaneous suppurative thyroiditis caused by Eikenella corrodens presented with thyrotoxicosis.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a very rare and life-threatening endocrine emergency. Thyrotoxicosis is a rare condition accompanying acute suppurative thyroiditis. While the majority of the cases in the literature are caused by different reasons, spontaneous development is very rare. We present a patient with acute suppurative thyroiditis who presented to our clinic with thyrotoxic findings, and we compared the case to the literature. A 31-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with a complaint of progressive neck pain, swelling and redness on midline neck, fever, and palpitations. On physical examination, swelling, redness and tenderness were detected on the neck region that was consistent with the thyroid location. He presented with tremor on the hands, tachycardia and agitation. Thyroid function tests were compatible with thyrotoxicosis, but there were findings supporting the presence of infection in biochemistry tests. On his radiological evaluations, a heterogeneous lesion divided with small septs was observed, with consolidation areas in the left thyroid lobe. In fine needle aspiration biopsy, 2mL of purulent fluid could be aspirated due to the presence of small, separated consolidation areas. He initiated on antibiotic therapy, propranolol, steroid and symptomatic treatment. Eikenella corrodens was detected on the culture antibiogram. Antibiotic therapy was continued for 14 days due to less symptoms and better biochemical values. After treatment, the patient had normal thyroid function, had relief of fever and redness of the neck, and was followed-up. It should be kept in mind that acute suppurative thyroiditis may develop spontaneously with the findings of thyrotoxicosis, with no risk factors.

Acute spontaneous suppurative thyroiditis caused by Eikenella corrodens presented with thyrotoxicosis / Tireoidite supurativa espontânea aguda causada por Eikenella corrodens acompanhada de tireotoxicose

ABSTRACT Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a very rare and life-threatening endocrine emergency. Thyrotoxicosis is a rare condition accompanying acute suppurative thyroiditis. While the majority of the cases in the literature are caused by different reasons, spontaneous development is very rare. We present a patient with acute suppurative thyroiditis who presented to our clinic with thyrotoxic findings, and we compared the case to the literature. A 31-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with a complaint of progressive neck pain, swelling and redness on midline neck, fever, and palpitations. On physical examination, swelling, redness and tenderness were detected on the neck region that was consistent with the thyroid location. He presented with tremor on the hands, tachycardia and agitation. Thyroid function tests were compatible with thyrotoxicosis, but there were findings supporting the presence of infection in biochemistry tests. On his radiological evaluations, a heterogeneous lesion divided with small septs was observed, with consolidation areas in the left thyroid lobe. In fine needle aspiration biopsy, 2mL of purulent fluid could be aspirated due to the presence of small, separated consolidation areas. He initiated on antibiotic therapy, propranolol, steroid and symptomatic treatment. Eikenella corrodens was detected on the culture antibiogram. Antibiotic therapy was continued for 14 days due to less symptoms and better biochemical values. After treatment, the patient had normal thyroid function, had relief of fever and redness of the neck, and was followed-up. It should be kept in mind that acute suppurative thyroiditis may develop spontaneously with the findings of thyrotoxicosis, with no risk factors.

RESUMO A tireoidite supurativa aguda é uma emergência endócrina muito rara e com risco de vida. A tireotoxicose é uma doença rara, que acompanha a tireoidite supurativa aguda. A maioria dos casos descritos na literatura tem diferentes causas, mas o desenvolvimento espontâneo é muito raro. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com tireoidite supurativa aguda, que veio a nossa clínica apresentando achados tireotóxicos, e o comparamos com a literatura. Trata-se de paciente do sexo masculino, 31 anos, que foi internado em nossa clínica com queixa de dor progressiva, edema e vermelhidão na linha média do pescoço, febre e palpitações. Ao exame físico, foram observados edema, vermelhidão e sensibilidade à dor na região do pescoço, consistente com a localização da tireoide. Apresentava tremor de mãos, taquicardia e agitação. Embora os exames de função tireoidiana fossem compatíveis com tireotoxicose, houve achados que sustentavam a presença de infecção nos exames bioquímicos. Nas avaliações radiológicas, observou-se lesão heterogênea dividida por pequenos septos, com áreas de consolidação no lobo tireoidiano esquerdo. Na biópsia por aspiração por agulha fina, foi possível aspirar apenas 2mL de líquido purulento, devido à presença de pequenas áreas de consolidação separadas umas das outras. Iniciaram-se antibioticoterapia, administração de propranolol e esteroides, além de tratamento sintomático. Eikenella corrodens cresceu na cultura do antibiograma. A antibioticoterapia foi estendida por 14 dias devido à melhora nos sintomas e dos valores bioquímicos. Após o tratamento, o paciente se apresentava eutireoideo, com melhora na febre e na vermelhidão no pescoço, sendo então acompanhado. Deve-se ter em mente que a tireoidite supurativa aguda pode se desenvolver espontaneamente com achados de tireotoxicose, sem nenhum fator de risco.

Manejo del absceso de la glándula tiroides / Management of thyroid gland abscess

Introducción: La enfermedad supurativa de la glándula tiroides-absceso de tiroides o tiroiditis supurativa aguda- supone una infrecuente situación clínica. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en los casos asistidos durante 41 años. Materiales y métodos: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo anotando características epidemiológicas, conducta diagnóstico-terapéutica y resultado clínico, detectando 14 casos -9 varones y 5 mujeres, entre 19 y 68 años, con una media de edad de 40,6 ± 15,4 años- con 22 episodios. En 2 pacientes la condición se había reproducido hasta en 4 ocasiones. Resultados: Supusieron el 0,29% de todos los abscesos cervicales atendidos. La punción-aspiración fue efectuada en 13 de ellos para su tratamiento e identificación del agente causal. Los agentes más habitualmente implicados fueron Mycobacterium tuberculosis y Staphylococcus aureus. Se realizó un estudio de imagen mediante ecografía en 9 casos y de tomografía computarizada en 7. En 10 pacientes el tratamiento definitivo fue quirúrgico, efectuándose drenaje del absceso en 7 de ellos, tiroidectomía total en 4 y hemitiroidectomía en 2. Otros tratamientos admitidos fueron la antibioterapia sistémica o mediante irrigación intralesional y la esclerosis. Aunque en un caso la fase aguda comenzó con hipertiroidismo y tirotoxicosis, a los 6 meses del alta existió hipotiroidismo definitivo en 5 casos. Las opciones terapéuticas adoptadas consiguieron la curación en el 100% de los casos. Conclusión: La supuración de la glándula tiroidea es una circunstancia extremadamente rara en el contexto de la enfermedad cervical, variando las opciones terapéuticas desde alternativas conservadoras al drenaje con tiroidectomía según los hallazgos microbiológicos y radiológicos

Background: Thyroid abscess or acute suppurative thyroiditis is an unusual clinical condition. We present our experience with cases attended over 41 years. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was performed on these patients reviewing their epidemiological characteristics and the diagnostic and therapeutic manoeuvres chosen for them all, as well as their clinical outcome. A group of 9 males and 5 females was studied, with ages ranging from 19 to 68 (mean of 40.6±15.4). These patients suffered 22 acute episodes, and 2 patients each had 4 episodes. Results: Suppurative thyroiditis comprised 0.29% of the neck abscesses. Fine needle aspiration was performed in 13 cases to evacuate the collection and isolate the aetiological agent. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently identified. Nine patients underwent ultrasound and 7 computed tomography imaging studies. Surgery was the option for 10 patients, including drainage for 7, thyroidectomy for 4 and hemithyroidectomy for the remaining 2. Systemic or intralesional antibiotics and sclerosis of the gland were also carried out. Although one case presented with hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis in the acute phase, definitive hypothyroidism was observed in 5 patients at 6 months following discharge. The rate of success was 100%. Conclusion: Thyroid gland suppuration is a very infrequent circumstance in neck pathology, and the options for its treatment are varied, from conservative to invasive techniques according to the microbial and radiologic findings

Acute suppurative thyroiditis following fine-needle aspiration biopsy in an immunocompetent patient.

The thyroid gland is remarkably resistant to infectious agents owing to several protective mechanisms. Acute suppurative thyroiditis after fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in an immunocompetent patient is very rare. We report the case of a 50-year-old immunocompetent male patient who presented with painful cervical swelling, fever, and chills after an FNA of the thyroid. His physical and laboratory examination suggested an acute suppurative thyroiditis. Repeat FNA results were consistent with thyroid abscess. Physicians should be aware of the probability of acute bacterial thyroiditis after FNA.

Recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis due to pyriform sinus fistula in an adult--case report.

We present a case study of acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) with frequent recurrence due to anatomical malformation described as pyriform sinus fistula (PSF). Difficulty in diagnosis and treatment may be explained by the rarity of the disease in adult patients. AST had been observed in our patient five times before a radical surgery treatment was performed. The most typical symptoms and signs in our patient include: fever, difficulty in swallowing and tender tumour in the left side of the neck. Computed tomography (CT), barium swallow study and endoscopic examination gave us an opportunity to confirm the presence of an anatomical abnormality. After fistulectomy, we have not observed AST up to the date of this publication.

Retrospective case review of pyriform sinus fistulae of third branchial arch origin commonly presenting as acute suppurative thyroiditis in children.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormalities of the third branchial arch are less common than those of the second arch and usually present with left thyroid lobe inflammation. This paper describes 15 cases of pyriform sinus fistulae of third branchial arch origin usually presenting as recurrent thyroid abscess on the left side. METHOD: A retrospective review of 15 cases of third arch fistulae managed 2000 and 2008, diagnosed based on histopathology and radiological evidence of a fistulous tract, and treated with fistulectomy with left hemithyroidectomy. RESULTS: All patients (six boys and nine girls, aged three to 15 years) presented with recurrent low neck inflammation. Pre-operative ultrasound, computed tomography fistulography and barium swallow demonstrated a third arch fistulous tract, left-sided in all cases. The fistula was detected intra-operatively and pathologically in all cases. Surgery (successful in all cases) emphasised complete recurrent laryngeal nerve and ipsilateral pyriform sinus exposure, to facilitate tract excision, with left hemithyroidectomy. There was no recurrence over three to five years' follow up. CONCLUSION: Paediatric recurrent low neck inflammatory episodes, due to thyroidal abscess, especially left-sided, should raise suspicion of pyriform sinus fistulae.

Imaging studies in sixty patients with acute suppurative thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND: Pyriform sinus fistulae are the major routes of infection in acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST). There have been only a few reports describing imaging studies in AST. We reviewed our imaging studies in patients with AST to elucidate its features so as to facilitate its diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We reviewed ultrasonography (US) examinations, computed tomography (CT) scans, and barium swallow studies performed on 60 patients with the AST who were seen for medical care between 1998 and 2008 and were retrospectively reviewed. All of these patients had pyriform sinus fistulae. RESULTS: In the acute inflammatory stage, US showed a hypoechoic lesion spreading in and around the affected thyroid lobe, destruction of the lobe, and abscess formation in the neck. CT scans demonstrated similar features with clearer anatomical involvement and edema in the ipsilateral hypopharynx. These findings allowed easy diagnosis of AST. However, in the early inflammatory stage US showed an unclear hypoechoic area in the affected lobe and CT scans showed a nonspecific low-density area. These findings often led to erroneous diagnoses of subacute thyroiditis. A careful review of the US studies demonstrated that the following findings are characteristic of acute suppurative thyroidits: a perithyroidal hypoechoic space, effacement of the plane between the thyroid and perithyroid tissues, and the hypoechoic lesions being unifocal. The former two are not seen in subacute thyroiditis, and hypoechoic lesions in subacute thyroiditis are usually multiple and often bilateral. In the late inflammatory stage, US and CT scans often showed atrophy and an unclear hypoechoic or low-density area in and around the affected lobe. To detect pyriform sinus fistulae, barium swallow studies are more sensitive than US or CT scans. CONCLUSION: During the acute inflammatory stage of AST, both US and CT scans showed inflammatory processes in and around the affected thyroid lobe, although the CT scans more clearly demonstrate the anatomical locations involved. In the early inflammatory stage, these features may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis. Careful US studies should indicate the correct diagnosis, which can then be proven by a barium swallow study or fine-needle aspiration followed by cytological examination and bacterial culturing.

Cervical infection secondary to pyriform sinus fistula of branchial origin.

Complete third branchial arch anomalies are rare and have been described only in case reports, affecting mainly children and typically presenting as a cervical inflammatory process. Anomalies of the third and fourth branchial apparatus, though rare, usually present as sinuses/incomplete fistulas of pyriform sinus or recurrent suppurative thyroiditis. A 6-year-old girl presented with a small opening on the left side of her anterior neck, which had been present since birth and was associated with recurrent infection. She had no history of incision and drainage of swelling. Computed tomography with contrast injection into the cervical opening revealed a fistulous tract extending from the cervical neck skin to the pyriform fossa. Complete excision of the fistulous tract and left hemithyroidectomy were performed. There was no recurrence at 22 months of follow-up.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis as the initial presentation of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

We report an unusual case of acute suppurative thyroiditis associated with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) onset. A 10 year-old girl presented with a painful voluminous swelling in the anterior cervical region with fever and dysphagia. She also had dysphonia, myalgia, swelling of the small joints of the hands, weight loss, and erythematous malar rash. Thyroid ultrasonography disclosed an ill-defined solid cystic area containing abundant echoes in suspension suggestive of an abscess in both lobes compatible with suppurative bacterial thyroiditis. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy showed a secretion with positive culture for Staphylococcus aureus. Endoscopic evaluation did not demonstrate pyriform sinus fistula. The child had no previous thyroid disease. Hormonal evaluation showed thyrotrophin (TSH) 13 microIU/ml and free thyroxine (FT4) 0.4 ng/dl. After laboratory confirmation of JSLE, high dose 'pulse' therapy was performed with methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg/day for 3 days), followed by prednisone (2 mg/kg/day). The acute thyroiditis was treated with oxacillin, metronidazole and amikacin which ameliorated the symptoms of infection followed by normalization of thyroid function with levothyroxine. In spite of the known association between autoimmune diseases and thyroid disorders, the coexistence of suppurative thyroiditis and JSLE is rare, generally occurring during the course of lupus and not at diagnosis.

Unilateral hypopharyngitis, cellulitis, and a multinodular goiter: a triad of findings suggestive of acute suppurative thyroiditis.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon disorder, which has been associated with pre-existing thyroid disease, especially a multinodular goiter. We describe a case of a woman who presented clinically with an acute inflammatory condition of the neck. On CT examination, she had a triad of a multinodular goiter, a unilateral hypopharyngitis, and a surrounding cellulitis. We suggest that the constellation of these imaging findings should alert the radiologist to the diagnosis of acute thyroiditis.