Thyroid Abscess in a 31/2-Year-Old Child

Eikenella corrodens as a Cause of Thyroid Abscess

“…Growth can be enhanced by incubating the culture in a 3% to 7% carbon dioxide atmosphere.28 The most common sites of infection are abscesses in the head and neck.25 The frequency with which -streptococci are isolated concomitantly with E corrodens has been reported. Synergism between the two organisms in induction of abscesses in rabbits has been demonstrated.25 Pos¬ sible routes of infection for thyroid abscesses include: (1) bloodstream in¬ fection, (2) direct invasion of the gland, (3) lymphatic system spread, (4) direct trauma, and (5) through persisting channels between the thyroid gland and the upper respiratory tract.2,27 The latter possibility seems to be most plausible because E corrodens, -streptococci, and anaerobes are usu¬ ally present in the upper airways. In¬ ternal fistulae from the piriform sinus connecting with the perithyroidal space were found in all six recurrent instances of thyroiditis reported by Takai et al2 Extirpation of the fistula completely aborted any further recur¬ rences in these cases.…”

Thyroid abscess at an adolescent age

“…A recurrent abscess occurring in the thyroid area is mostly due to the piriform sinus fistula [3][4][5]. This fistula goes from the hypopharynx and ends in or next to the left thyroid lobe [6][7][8].…”