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Infected Recurrent Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: A Case Report
Jennifer Foti1, Felipe Grimaldo1
1Naval Medical Center San Diego, Department of Emergency Medicine, San Diego, California.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|September 14, 2020
Summary
Recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) infection can occur even after childhood surgery. This case highlights the importance of considering infected recurrent TGDC in adults with neck masses and fever.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) are congenital neck malformations.
- Surgical excision is common due to infection risk and rare malignancy potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) with infection in an adult.
- To emphasize diagnostic considerations following prior surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an adult patient with a tender neck mass and fever.
- Review of patient history including childhood TGDC excision.
- Computed tomography (CT) imaging to evaluate the recurrent TGDC and infection.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms of an infected recurrent TGDC.
- CT imaging confirmed the presence of a recurrent TGDC complicated by acute infection.
Conclusions:
- Recurrence of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) after surgical removal is possible.
- Infected recurrent TGDC should be considered in the differential diagnosis for adults with neck masses, especially after prior surgery.
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