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Esophageal carcinoma masquerading as recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis
Archives of Internal Medicine
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis in a 61-year-old woman was refractory to antibiotics. Diagnosis was confirmed by fine-needle aspiration, revealing bacteria and a fistulous tract from esophageal carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a rare condition often requiring prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Recurrent or refractory cases necessitate thorough investigation into underlying causes.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman presented with recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy confirmed bacterial infection (anaerobic and aerobic) within the thyroid.
Findings:
- Esophageal carcinoma was diagnosed via barium swallow and esophagoscopy.
- A fistulous tract was identified, connecting the esophagus to the perithyroidal region.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of investigating refractory thyroiditis for contiguous malignancy.
- Esophageal carcinoma can present with unusual symptoms like thyroid abscess.
- Early diagnosis of the underlying esophageal cancer is crucial for effective treatment.