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10:19
Substernal Thyroid Biopsy Using Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Published on: November 10, 2014
Acute thyroiditis due to septic emboli derived from infective endocarditis.
C A Cabizuca1, D A Bulzico, M H de Almeida
1Department of Endocrinology of Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro Federal University- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. carolcabizuca@yahoo.com.br
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|October 4, 2008
Summary
Acute infectious thyroiditis, a rare thyroid gland condition, can stem from congenital issues or, as in this case, septic emboli from infective endocarditis. This highlights a novel pathway for thyroid infection in adults.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Acute infectious thyroiditis is uncommon, typically seen in pediatric patients with congenital thyroid-oropharyngeal connections like piriform fistulas or thyroglossal ducts.
- Infective endocarditis is a serious cardiac condition involving infection of the heart valves or endocardium.
Observation:
- A case of acute thyroiditis was observed in an adult patient.
- The thyroiditis was found to be caused by septic emboli originating from infective endocarditis.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates a rare etiology of acute infectious thyroiditis in adults, distinct from the usual pediatric congenital causes.
- Septic emboli from infective endocarditis can disseminate to and infect the thyroid gland.
Implications:
- This finding expands the differential diagnosis for acute thyroiditis in adult populations.
- Highlights the importance of considering systemic infections, such as infective endocarditis, as a source of thyroidal infection.
- Suggests the need for thorough cardiac evaluation in adult patients presenting with unexplained acute thyroiditis.
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