Acute suppurative thyroiditis

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a rare disease which may be confused with other, more common thyroid disorders. Gram-positive organisms such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Pneumococcus are most frequently responsible for this condition. Appropriate antibiotics should be selected to control local and systemic signs of infection. Incision and drainage of fluctuant areas are indicated. Thyroid function almost always returns to normal with eradication of infection.