Pyogenic thyroiditis at KNH

Abstract

Although pyogenic thyroiditis is rare,the four cases have been seen and treated at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) over the last 10 years.This is a report of one of these cases detailing the clinical presentation and operative findings. A middle aged female with a large painful shining anterior neck swelling of 4days duration.She had difficulty of swallowing,but no dyspnoea.She was febrile,with moderate anaemia, polymorph-leucocytosis (52%)and lymphocytosis(36%).Thyroid immunoglobulins were unavailable.131 iodine uptake studies was reduced,plain x-ray of the trachea/neck was unremarkable. A thick suppurative pus from the left lobe grew on organisms.The discusses various forms of thyroid abcesses ,their causes and treatment.