Thyroid abscess in a postpartum woman with subclinical hyperthyroidism: A Case Report

Abstract

Thyroid abscess is a rare condition, and acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) accounts for <1% of all thyroid diseases. It is a potentially fatal infection. The risk factors include pre-existing thyroid disorders, immunosuppression, and neck procedures. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative organism.

The case report aims to demonstrate the rarity of a huge thyroid abscess caused by Serratia odorifera in a postpartum woman.

A 42-year-old female with no known comorbidity but a 2-year history of an un-investigated thyroid mass and 1 month postpartum presented with 3 weeks of a painful anterior neck mass. She had no clinical features of hyperthyroidism although the thyroid hormone levels were consistent with subclinical hyperthyroidism. The thyroid abscess was confirmed by ultrasound scan. It was managed with appropriate antibiotics, ultrasound-guided needle aspiration, and surgical drainage with a good outcome.

We present a rare case of thyroid abscess caused by Serratia odorifera in a postpartum woman with subclinical hyperthyroidism. For a huge thyroid abscess, we recommend incision and drainage, and a minimum of two weeks of appropriate antibiotics.