Abstract
The thyroid gland is naturally resistant to infectious processes, which explains the rarity of thyroid abscess. It represent about 0.1% of the surgical thyroid pathology. We report in this article a case of thyroid gland abscess in a 61 year-old man who was followed for diabetes and hypothyroidism with poor adherence, who consulted in emergency department for acute neck swelling. CT scan showed a fluid collection of the left thyroid lobe. The patient was operated, and histopathological examination concluded of laryngeal carcinoma associated to thyroid papillary carcinoma.
Highlights
The thyroid gland is essentially protected from being seeded by infections due to its anatomy
The existence of congenital malformations such as thyroid tract fistulas, and 4th endobrachial cleft fistula may predispose to this infection
Conclusion: these are infrequent conditions, thyroid abscess appears to be gradually rising with the increase of immunosuppressive circumstances
Summary
The thyroid gland is essentially protected from being seeded by infections due to its anatomy It is surrounded by a capsule, and it has excellent blood supply and lymphatic drainage. The iodine content of the gland prevents infections [1] Even among those with impaired immune systems, thyroid abscesses are rare complications of neck infection and suppurative thyroiditis with incidence being less than 1% of all thyroid diseases. It is most commonly caused by gram-positive aerobes, (Staphylococcus aureus), but there are reports of gram-negative organisms and fungi [2]. If untreated it could be fatal [3]
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