An uncommon encounter in an unusual location – A case report on acute emphysematous suppurative thyroid abscess

Abstract

Acute emphysematous suppurative thyroid abscess is a potentially life threatening uncommon disease caused most commonly by gram positive organisms. It usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals with pre-existing multinodular goiter secondary to hematogenous spread of infection. The most characteristic feature of this disease is the presence of gas within the thyroid swelling seen on imaging, even though crepitus may be absent on examination. Surgical debridement and thyroidectomy are the procedure of choice in such cases and can lead to effective cure. We present an unusual and rare case of an acute emphysematous suppurative thyroid abscess caused by a gram negative (non-clostridial) organism in an immunocompromised patient after a fine needle aspiration cytology intervention.