Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Suppurative Thyroiditis with Thyrotoxicosis
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 1 RWJ Place, MEB 104, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
Abstract:
Intravenous drug use (IVDU) can lead to numerous complications from skin abscesses to bacteremia to endocarditis. Here, we present a rare case of acute suppurative thyroiditis as a complication of IVDU, in which a 26-year-old female with a past medical history of IVDU presented to the emergency department for evaluation of a large right sided neck mass. On exam, she had signs of sepsis and thyrotoxicosis. Fine needle aspiration confirmed suppurative thyroiditis. Blood cultures and culture from fine needle aspiration grew Staphylococcus aureus. Patient was treated with 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics with good resolution of her symptoms.
Insights
Intravenous drug use (IVDU) can cause serious health issues. This case highlights acute suppurative thyroiditis, a rare complication of IVDU, successfully treated with antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intravenous drug use (IVDU) is associated with various severe complications, including skin abscesses, bacteremia, and endocarditis.
- Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a rare but serious infection of the thyroid gland.
Related Concept Videos
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predicted Value
Sensitivity is the...
Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

