Acute suppurative thyroiditis with thyrotoxicosis caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) and thyroid abscess are rare. While in younger individuals infection usually spreads locally through the pyriform sinus, older adults are more susceptible to hematogenous seeding of the thyroid gland. Here, we describe a case of AST with thyrotoxicosis, where the clinical course deteriorated rapidly due to abscess formation. Despite early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, abscess drainage was eventually required. Thyroid function tests are typically normal, while frank thyrotoxicosis is unusual and should not divert clinical suspicion from AST. Timely diagnosis and treatment of AST are crucial in order to avoid serious and potentially devastating complications. We emphasize significance of a high index of suspicion, appropriate treatment approach and high yield of serial imaging studies in timely diagnosis and decision making to treat AST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]