A Case of Deep Cervical Abscess during Treatment of Subacute Thyroiditis

Abstract

Subacute thyroiditis is a nonsuppurative inflammatory disease whose treatment differs from that of acute suppurative thyroiditis. We report herein on a case diagnosed as subacute thyroiditis in which a deep cervical abscess developed as a result of overdosing with a steroid hormone agent. The patient was a 55-year-old male whose chief complaint was anterior neck swelling. Based on sonography findings and blood sampling results, a diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis was made and a steroid hormone agent was administered. Though the symptoms were initially relieved, when the drug was withdrawn, they worsened again. The patient himself was an internist and based on his own judgment increased the dosage of the steroid hormone agent. On the 14th day following the initial examination, he was reexamined due to worsening of the neck swelling and respiratory discomfort. CT showed that a deep cervical abscess had developed and an emergency surgical intervention was conducted to drain it. Thus, despite a diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis, the possibility of acute suppurative thyroiditis should be kept in mind and appropriate action taken in view of the clinical course.