Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2023 Sep;66(9):624-628. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2022.01249.

A Case of Thyroid Abscess Following Ethanol Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodule

• Cho H
• Ahn D
• Kwak JH
• Lee GJ

• KMID: 2546074
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2022.01249

Abstract

Recently, non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments, including ethanol ablation (EA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have been commonly used as primary treatments for benign thyroid nodules. While these techniques have been gaining popularity owing to their safety and effectiveness, they may involve various complications such as pain, voice change, and hematoma. A thyroid abscess following EA requiring surgical intervention is extremely rare and, to the best of our knowledge, has been reported only once to date. Herein, we present a case of a thyroid abscess following EA for a benign thyroid nodule that required surgical treatment. This complication is believed to be mediated by chemical necrosis and subsequent inflammatory reactions following EA rather than by bacterial infection. Head and neck surgeons should recognize the risk of thyroid abscess as a complication of EA.

Keyword

Ablation techniques; Abscess; Ethanol; Thyroid nodule