Thyroid Abscess: A Case Series and Literature Review

Objective In this retrospective case series, we chronicle six patients presenting with acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) with progression to thyroid abscess in a single institution. Methods Patients ranged in age from 16 to 74 years of age. The most common presenting symptoms were progressive unilateral neck pain, swelling, and odynophagia. Other symptoms included hoarseness and systemic signs of infection. Diagnosis of thyroid abscess was made with a CT scan of the neck, fine needle aspiration, and/or incision and drainage (I&D). Results Management included antibiotic therapy, I&D, and thyroidectomy. All patients were successfully treated except for one who developed mediastinitis and died. Conclusion A complete literature review was performed to determine etiologies, common findings, and management of similar cases.