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Anterior neck abscess masquerading as acute suppurative thyroiditis. [Iodine 131]

Journal Article · · J. Nucl. Med.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5825429
Two patients with extrathyroidal anterior neck abscesses are discussed. Normal thyroid scans ruled out acute, suppurative thyroiditis. The diagnosis of acute, suppurative thyroiditis is usually made on clinical grounds and confirmed by needle aspiration or surgical drainage. The thyroid scan is abnormal, with decreased uptake in the involved areas of the gland. Early in the course of acute suppurative thyroiditis, the differential diagnosis may be difficult, and includes nonsuppurative, painful thyroiditis or acute hemorrhage into a thyroid nodule or cyst. However, in the presence of high fever, leukocytosis, and an exquisitely tender, tense, erythematous swelling in the area of the thyroid, the diagnosis of acute suppurative thyroiditis would be most likely. The present report describes two patients with a midline, tender, anterior neck mass. Normal thyroid scans ruled out an intrathyroid inflammatory process.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Massachusetts, Worcester
OSTI ID:
5825429
Journal Information:
J. Nucl. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Nucl. Med.; (United States) Vol. 20:10; ISSN JNMEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English