Acute thyroid abscess secondary to oesophageal perforation

Acute thyroid abscess is rare, however this report describes the case of a 71-year-old male with an acute thyroid abscess resulting from oesophageal perforation who was successfully treated with antibiotic (cefotaxime sodium), neck exploration and a right subtotal thyroidectomy. The patient reported ingesting a fish bone and, although this had been dislodged, he experienced continuing pharyngalgia and fever. An anterior neck swelling with tenderness and erythema was noted at the level of the right thyroid. At operation, the recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified and preserved, and a large part of the right thyroid was excised. During the 5-year follow-up period, deglutition function and thyroid function tests remained normal. This result indicates that early administration of antibiotic, and surgical treatment of the infection source and affected thyroid tissue are critical for a successful outcome and the prevention of severe complications.