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Thyroid abscess at an adolescent age
Jaromír Astl1, Zdenka Kuchynková, Milos Taudy
1Department of Otorinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, First Medical School, Faculty Hospital Motol, Institute for Postgraduate Studies, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, Prague 5, Czech Republic. jaromir.astl@seznam.cz
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|December 3, 2003
Summary
This case study details a rare thyroid abscess in a teenage girl, successfully treated with drainage and antibiotics. Infectious mononucleosis may have predisposed her to this unusual thyroid inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Thyroid abscess is a rare clinical entity, often associated with underlying predisposing factors.
- Infectious mononucleosis can cause significant immunological changes, potentially increasing susceptibility to secondary infections.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female presented with unilateral thyroid lobe swelling and pain.
- Clinical examination revealed localized tenderness over the left thyroid region.
- Diagnostic workup included ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration, confirming a thyroid abscess.
Findings:
- Incisional drainage of the abscess and a course of antibiotic therapy led to complete resolution of symptoms.
- Barium swallow excluded any hypopharyngeal fistula, a potential complication.
- The patient remained asymptomatic for a 3-year follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering thyroid abscess in the differential diagnosis of neck masses, especially in younger patients.
- The preceding infectious mononucleosis episode suggests a potential link between altered immunological status and the development of thyroid abscess.
- Further research into the immunological impact of viral infections on thyroid health is warranted.