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Actinomycotic suppurative thyroiditis in a child.
Nihal Karatoprak1, Zeynep Atay, Nurdan Erol
1Clinic of Pediatrics, Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|June 11, 2005
Summary
Actinomyces species can cause rare cases of acute suppurative thyroiditis in infants. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and surgery are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a rare but serious condition in infants.
- Actinomycosis, a bacterial infection, is an uncommon cause of thyroiditis.
Observation:
- An 18-month-old female infant presented with fever, neck erythema, induration, and tenderness.
- Laboratory evaluation led to the diagnosis of acute suppurative thyroiditis.
Findings:
- The infant was successfully treated with surgical debridement and intravenous penicillin G.
- Cultures for Actinomyces species can be challenging due to their fastidious nature.
Implications:
- Actinomyces spp. should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infant thyroiditis.
- Microbiology laboratories require advance notification for optimal culture and transport of Actinomyces specimens.