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Suppurative Thyroiditis: A Management Paradigm Based on Microbiology
Kevin D Pereira1, Mallory J Highstein2, Ariana G Greenwell2
1From the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine if microbiological cultures can guide management of suppurative thyroiditis.
Design:
This study is a retrospective case series set in 2 tertiary care academic hospitals.
Methods:
The microbiological cultures from patients with suppurative thyroiditis who underwent incision and drainage from July 2004 to June 2018 were reviewed. Those who had confirmed pyriform sinus tracts and underwent surgical intervention were included in the study.
Results:
Fifteen patients satisfied the criteria for inclusion. All had confirmed pyriform sinus tracts and underwent successful intervention. Endoscopic cautery was the most common intervention followed by complete open excision. Five cultures grew alpha Streptococcus, 6 had Eikenella, and 4 Prevotella. Combinations of Eikenella + Prevotella were seen in 3, and 1 sample had all 3 bacteria. Two cultured methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus alone. One culture was sterile.
Conclusions:
The presence of oral flora in an intrathyroidal abscess is confirmatory evidence of a pyriform sinus tract. Further investigations are not needed, and early definitive intervention can be planned.
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Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Key Techniques in Microbiology
