Acute thyroiditis

Acute thyroiditis (supurative thyroiditis) is currently a relatively rare infectious purulent inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Etiology
It is usually caused by a bacterial inflammatory condition in the orofacial area or by septic metastasis in immunocompromised persons, or it may have a tuberculous origin.

The clinical picture

 * Local redness above the thyroid gland;
 * palpable pain;
 * fever.

Diagnosis
The clinical picture is the basis for diagnosis. The laboratory findings include increased sedimentation, leukocytosis, and high CRP. The imaging methods used are: USG and thin needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

Therapy
Broad-spectrum antibiotics in high doses, but best targeted after culture examination.

Related Articles

 * Subacute thyroiditis
 * Chronic (autoimmune) thyroiditis
 * Inflammation of the thyroid gland