Acute emphysematous thyroiditis

Abstract

Acute emphysematous thyroiditis is a severe pyogenic infection of the thyroid gland characterized by the production of gas. Although earlier writers of the pre-antibiotic era had referred to 'gangrene of the thyroid with gas formation' (1-3), only 5 cases of gas-forming or emphysematous thyroiditis have been specifically documented. In this report, the sixth case of acute emphysematous thyroiditis is presented and the clinical features of this rare but potentially lethal infection of the thyroid gland are described. The pathogenesis and management of the disease are discussed.

Thyroid Emphysema Following Penetrating Neck Trauma

“…Acute emphysematous thyroiditis is characterized by severe pain in the neck, fever and marked leucocytosis. Furthermore, hypothyroidism can result from pyogenic destruction of thyroid tissue (5). However, in our case, there were no clinical or laboratory findings related to traumatic thyroid emphysema.…”

Pediatric Patient With Persistent Postoperative Fevers After Esophageal Foreign Body Removal

“…In addition, results of thyroid function tests and thyroid antibody testing may be initially normal; however, the patient reported by Gigot et al developed hypothyroidism 4 months later. This may be explained by the pyogenic destruction of thyroid tissue . On the other hand, the current patient exhibited laboratory results indicating hyperthyroidism; however, the patient did not experience any signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism.…”

“…Imaging studies of the neck showing gas in the thyroid region are pathognomonic for acute ET . Laboratory test results may show a significantly elevated white blood cell count along with other inflammatory markers . In addition, results of thyroid function tests and thyroid antibody testing may be initially normal; however, the patient reported by Gigot et al developed hypothyroidism 4 months later.…”

“…Treatment of ET is aimed at treating the cause and may be either medical or surgical . The majority of patients (5 out of 6) who were reviewed by Gigot et al underwent incision and drainage, and 4 also received antibiotics. One patient received medical therapy to treat ET and needed large doses of intramuscular penicillin .…”

“…The majority of patients (5 out of 6) who were reviewed by Gigot et al underwent incision and drainage, and 4 also received antibiotics. One patient received medical therapy to treat ET and needed large doses of intramuscular penicillin . Meanwhile, the patient reported by Karadağ et al, who developed ET after a penetrating neck trauma, was treated conservatively without any surgical intervention and made an unremarkable recovery after close follow-up.…”