Coccidioidomycosis masquerading as thyroid nodule: a rare diagnostic challenge

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Endocrinology
• Mycology

Background:

• Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is a severe fungal infection with high mortality.
• Thyroid involvement is an exceptionally rare manifestation of coccidioidomycosis.
• Timely diagnosis and treatment initiation are critical but often challenging.

Observation:

• This report details a case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis involving the thyroid gland.
• The diagnosis was incidental in an older patient.
• The patient's thyroid Coccidioides infection was successfully managed.

Findings:

• Accurate diagnosis relies on fine-needle aspirate culture, biopsy, and direct microscopy.
• Optimal treatment strategies, including medication dosage and duration, remain controversial and under investigation.
• This case contributes to understanding coccidioidomycosis in the thyroid.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering rare fungal infections in thyroid pathology.
• Underscores the need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
• Informs clinical practice regarding the management of uncommon fungal thyroid infections.