Haemophilus Influenzae As A Rare Cause Of Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis With Thyrotoxicosis And Thyroid Abscess Formation In A Patient With Pre-Existent Multinodular Goiter

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this case report was to highlight the importance of isolating the thyroid as the source of infection in toxic-appearing patients with pre-existent thyroid nodules who present with neck pain. Methods: The clinical presentation, evaluation, laboratory results, imaging findings, and management of a patient with acute suppurative Haemophilus influenzae thyroiditis are presented. Results: A 55-year-old female with known nodular goiter presented with an acute increase in the size of her thyroid, neck pain, fever, and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Laboratory studies were remarkable for leukocytosis, elevated inflammatory markers, and elevated free thyroid hormones. A computed tomography scan of the neck showed possible areas of abscess formation in the left thyroid lobe, and a radioactive iodine uptake showed a diffuse uptake of 0.9% at 5 hours and 0.5% at 24 hours. Blood cultures and culture from a left thyroid nodule aspirate grew H. influenzae. Initial management included b...