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Acute thyroid abscess secondary to oesophageal perforation
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. sun6406@163.com
The Journal of International Medical Research
|July 26, 2008
Summary
This case report details a rare acute thyroid abscess in a 71-year-old male, successfully treated with antibiotics and surgery. Early intervention is crucial for managing this rare condition and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute thyroid abscess is a rare clinical entity.
- Esophageal perforation is a potential cause of thyroid abscess.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are essential for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male presented with fever and neck swelling after ingesting a fish bone.
- Physical examination revealed tenderness and erythema over the right thyroid.
- Imaging confirmed an acute thyroid abscess secondary to esophageal perforation.
Findings:
- The patient was treated with cefotaxime sodium, neck exploration, and right subtotal thyroidectomy.
- The recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified and preserved during surgery.
- Post-operative recovery was uneventful, with normal deglutition and thyroid function tests at 5-year follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of early antibiotic administration and surgical source control in managing acute thyroid abscess.
- Aggressive treatment can lead to successful outcomes and prevent severe complications.
- Oesophageal perforation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute neck infections.
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