Thyroid abscess.

Primary thyroid abscess arising from acute suppurative thyroiditis is an unusual type of head and neck infection. Only 39 cases of thyroid abscess have been reported in the medical literature since 1950. Sixteen of these cases (41%) were in children. This presentation reports in detail two additional adult patients with thyroid abscesses. In addition, the incidence, etiology, signs and symptoms, complications, aids to diagnosis, and management are reviewed. Systemic antimicrobials combined with prompt surgical intervention will prevent the serious complications possible with this disease.