Acute Thyroid Swelling in Renal Transplant Recipient

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Infectious Diseases
• Transplant Surgery

Background:

• Solid organ transplant recipients face an elevated risk of tuberculosis (TB).
• Thyroid tuberculosis is an uncommon manifestation, even in immunocompromised populations.
• Acute rejection episodes necessitate immunosuppressive therapy, increasing infection susceptibility.

Observation:

• A postrenal transplant recipient presented with an acute thyroid abscess.
• The patient had experienced a recent acute rejection episode.
• Treatment for rejection involved corticosteroids and antithymocyte globulin.

Findings:

• Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed thyroid tuberculosis.
• The thyroid abscess was successfully managed with antitubercular drugs.
• Surgical intervention was not required for this case.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in transplant recipients with thyroid abnormalities.
• Early diagnosis via fine needle aspiration cytology is crucial for effective management.
• Antitubercular therapy is often sufficient, avoiding invasive procedures.