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[Acute recurrent suppurative thyroiditis in childhood]
Insights
Acute suppurative thyroiditis is rare in children. This case highlights a child experiencing recurrent episodes, successfully treated with antibiotics, with thyroid function tests remaining normal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon pediatric condition.
- Previous reports are limited, with only six cases documented globally.
Observation:
- A 4 1/2-year-old girl presented with acute suppurative thyroiditis affecting the left thyroid lobe.
- Thyroid function tests were normal, but radioisotope scans indicated reduced activity in the affected area.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a recurrence of acute suppurative thyroiditis in the same lobe three years later.
- Both episodes resolved with aggressive antibiotic therapy, and scans showed gradual improvement in thyroid activity.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis in children, even with normal thyroid function.
- Effective management involves prompt antibiotic administration and monitoring of thyroid function and activity.
Abstract:
Acute suppurative thyroiditis in children is very rare and has been reported in only six cases. We describe a 4 1/2 year old girl who presented with acute suppurative thyroiditis of the left lobe. All thyroid function tests were normal but the radioisotope scan showed decreased activity over the upper pole of the left lobe. The child was treated with massive doses of antibiotics and gradually recovered. Three years later she presented with exactly the same findings in the left lobe of the thyroid. Thyroid function tests were again normal but repeated radioisotopic scan showed decreased activity over the left upper pole. Again she recovered gradually under massive antibiotic treatment. A follow up scan showed great improvement with almost complete recovery of activity in the left lobe.