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[Congenital piriformo-thyroid fistula as a cause of recurrent suppurative thyroiditis]

D Schlamp, K Kruse, J H Naujoks

    Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde : Organ Der Deutschen Gesellschaft Fur Kinderheilkunde
    |July 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Recurrent suppurative thyroiditis in children, often caused by a piriform sinus fistula, can be effectively treated with surgery. This condition, linked to pharyngeal pouch remnants, requires prompt diagnosis and intervention for a full recovery.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Otolaryngology
    • Surgical Pathology

    Background:

    • Suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon infection of the thyroid gland.
    • Recurrent cases suggest an underlying anatomical abnormality.
    • Piriform sinus fistulas are rare congenital anomalies potentially leading to recurrent infections.

    Observation:

    • A five-year-old boy presented with recurrent, febrile, suppurative thyroiditis of the left lobe.
    • Initial antibiotic treatment provided temporary relief.
    • Endoscopic evaluation revealed an internal fistula connecting the left piriform sinus to the thyroid lobe.

    Findings:

    • The piriform sinus fistula was identified as the source of recurrent thyroid infections.
    • Surgical excision of the fistula was performed.
    • Histopathological examination suggested a possible fourth pharyngeal pouch remnant origin.

    Implications:

    • Confirms piriform sinus fistula as a primary cause of recurrent suppurative thyroiditis in pediatric cases.
    • Highlights the importance of endoscopic evaluation for diagnosing internal fistulas in recurrent thyroiditis.
    • Surgical management offers a definitive cure for this condition, preventing recurrence.

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