A rare case report of a large multi nodular goitre presenting as thyroid abscess after fine needle aspiration cytology

Introduction: Thyroid abscess is a rarely encountered clinical entity since thyroid gland is generallythought to be resistant to most infections. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) can bean iatrogenic route for infection. Case report: A 47 year old immunocompetent female with large multinodular goiter since 20 years who developed sudden increase in swelling size associated with pain and swallowing difficulty. History revealed that acute symptoms started after FNAC. This case report emphasizes on the fact of adopting aseptic precautions even for minimally invasive procedures. The large thyroid swelling with sudden increase in size can give a suspicion of thyroid malignancy. Hence, this report highlights Thyroid Abscess as another possible differential diagnosis, which can be diagnosed and managed accordingly. Conclusion: This was a case of long standing thyroid swelling which was complicated by the formation ofthyroid abscess. The abscess occurred after and at the site of FNAC Adherence to strict aseptic methods is essential for any surgery and procedure. This is essential to prevent iatrogenictransmission of infection and also antibiotic resistance. Rapid increase in size of swelling usually gives suspicion of malignancy. This case reportshows how thyroid abscess can mimic malignancy on presentation. Thus, detailed history andproper clinical examination is essential for providing appropriate management to suchpatients.