RT Journal
A1 RICHIE JL
T1 ACute suppurative thyroiditis in a child
JF A.M.A. Journal of Diseases of Children
JO A.M.A. Journal of Diseases of Children
YR 1959
FD April 1
VO 97
IS 4
SP 493
OP 494
DO 10.1001/archpedi.1959.02070010495015
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1959.02070010495015
AB Acute suppurative thyroiditis is seen so infrequently that it may justly be considered a rare disease.2,7 The literature, since 1940, has yielded only two case reports of the disease occuring in children.1,5The disease usually has a sudden onset characterized by hoarseness, dysphagia, chills and fever, and an elevated pulse rate. Typically, there is pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin overlying one lobe of the thyroid gland, or the neck may be so edematous that the extent of the disease cannot be accurately determined. Spasm of the neck muscles may cause the patient's head to flex toward the side of involvement. The white blood cell count and sedimentation rate are elevated, whereas thyroid function studies are normal.5The management of acute suppurative thyroiditis necessitates a vigorous approach. Antibiotics are essential. Incision and drainage should be performed early, as there is a danger that a neglected abscess