J Korean Soc Pediatr Endocrinol.  2006 Dec;11(2):209-212.

A Child of Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis with Transient Thyrotoxicosis

• Sung KH
• Chung S

Abstract

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon disease of thyroid, as thyroid gland is remarkably resistant to infection. In children, the most common route of infection is from a pyriform sinus fistula and then the inflammation spreads from the sinus to the perithyroidal space. It is important to differentiate acute suppurative thyroiditis with thyrotoxicosis from subacute thyroiditis. And if left untreated, acute suppurative thyroiditis can lead to thyroid abscess formation. A 11-year-old girl presented with acute illness of fever and tender neck swelling. Thyroid ultrasonogram and ultrasono-guided needle aspirated cytology confirmed acute suppurative thyroiditis. Although on computed tomography (CT) scan suggested acute suppurative thyroiditis due to pyriform sinus fistula, there was no evidence of fistula formation between thyroid and pyriform sinus on barium esophagogram. After treatment with antibiotics, she displayed clinical improvement and was discharged without complication. Here we report a child of acute suppurative thyroiditis with transient thyrotoxicosis controlled with antibiotics with literature review.

Keyword

Acute suppurative thyroiditis; Pyriform sinus fistula

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Barium
Child*
Female
Fever
Fistula
Humans
Inflammation
Neck
Needles
Pyriform Sinus
Thyroid Gland
Thyroiditis, Subacute
Thyroiditis, Suppurative*
Thyrotoxicosis*
Ultrasonography
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Barium