[Acute suppurative thyroiditis]

Authors present a case of acute suppurative thyroiditis gland being normal before in a 5 8/12 year old. Plasma TSH, T3 and T4 remained within normal ranges. An alpha haemolytic streptococcus was isolated from suppuration and thyroglossal duct remnant was not identified. Surgical treatment was quickly followed by recovery. Some considerations about clinical picture, pathogenesis, etiology, prognosis and treatment are made. Usefulness of thyroid scan is emphasized.