J Korean Soc Pediatr Endocrinol.  2011 Aug;16(2):128-132.

Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis Caused by Methicillin - Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Healthy Children

• Jee SH
• Kim EY

Abstract

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon condition because the thyroid gland is remarkably resistant to infection. In children, anatomic defects, such as a left piriform sinus fistula, predispose subjects to this infection. It is very important yet difficult to differentiate acute thyroiditis with thyrotoxicosis from subacute thyroiditis; and if left untreated, acute suppurative thyroiditis can lead to thyroid abscess formation. Bacterial infections with staphylococcus and streptococcus species are the most common causes of acute suppurative thyroiditis. Occasionally, the thyroid gland can be infected with fungi, parasites, or mycobacterium. An 8-year-old boy presented with acute fever and tender neck swelling. The patient was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with acute suppurative thyroiditis. The culture result of the drained fluid revealed methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The patient's condition improved after the use of antibiotics and drainage. There was no evidence of fistula formation between the thyroid and the pyriform sinus on a computed tomography (CT) scan. Here we describe rapidly progressive thyroid abscesses caused by MRSA in healthy children.

Keyword

Thyroiditis, suppurative; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Bacterial Infections
Child
Drainage
Fever
Fistula
Fungi
Humans
Methicillin
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Mycobacterium
Neck
Parasites
Pyriform Sinus
Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus
Thyroid Gland
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis, Suppurative
Thyrotoxicosis
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Methicillin