Related Experiment Videos
Acute suppurative thyroiditis caused by Pasteurella multocida and associated with thyrotoxicosis.
Sarah A McLaughlin1, Stephen L Smith, Shon E Meek
1Section of General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA.
Summary
Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST), a rare thyroid infection, is usually caused by staphylococci or streptococci. This case highlights a unique instance of AST caused by Pasteurella multocida, leading to thyrotoxicosis in a healthy woman.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is a rare bacterial infection of the thyroid gland.
- Staphylococcal and streptococcal species are the most common pathogens implicated in AST.
- Transient hyperthyroidism is an infrequent complication of AST.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 51-year-old woman presented with symptoms of AST.
- The causative agent identified was Pasteurella multocida, an unusual pathogen for this condition.
- The patient experienced thyrotoxicosis concurrently with the thyroiditis.
Findings:
- This case represents a unique presentation of AST caused by Pasteurella multocida.
- The occurrence of thyrotoxicosis associated with this specific pathogen and condition is notably rare.
- The patient's prior health status underscores the potential for novel infectious presentations.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of pathogens causing acute suppurative thyroiditis.
- It highlights the importance of considering unusual bacteria in thyroid infections.
- The association with thyrotoxicosis warrants further investigation into the pathophysiology of such events.