Thyroid abscess is a rare surgical pathology, accounting for
less than 0.7% of surgical pathologies involving the thyroid
1,2 gland. This is due to its rich blood supply and lymphatic
drainage, high concentration oodine that inhibits bacterial
growth, protective brous capsule, and fascial planes
2–4 separating it from other neck structures. It may lead to
complications like septicaemia, paralysis of the vocal cords,
retropharyngeal abscess and suppurative media stinitis and
2 may occasionally lead to osteomyelitis or septic thrombophlebitis. It
5 may also lead to tracheal and oesophageal perforation. The
6
left lobe is commonly affected. If left untreated, thyroid
abscess can be life threatening resulting in a mortality of 12%
6
or more
