Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Suppurative Thyroiditis with Thyrotoxicosis

Abstract

Intravenous drug use (IVDU) can lead to numerous complications from skin abscesses to bacteremia to endocarditis. Here, we present a rare case of acute suppurative thyroiditis as a complication of IVDU, in which a 26-year-old female with a past medical history of IVDU presented to the emergency department for evaluation of a large right sided neck mass. On exam, she had signs of sepsis and thyrotoxicosis. Fine needle aspiration confirmed suppurative thyroiditis. Blood cultures and culture from fine needle aspiration grew Staphylococcus aureus. Patient was treated with 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics with good resolution of her symptoms.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis due to Streptococcus anginosus leading to sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report

“…Thus, regular parenteral injections may also play a role in the etiology of AST in our case, especially since there was no predisposing anatomic or immunologic condition. Notably, cases of AST have been also reported in intravenous drug users (31,32).…”