Infected Thyroglossal Duct Cyst with an Emergent Airway Threat

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) is a common congenital neck anomaly that typically presents as a midline neck mass and is most often diagnosed in the second decade of life. Although TDCs are generally painless and asymptomatic, infection of the cyst can lead to significant airway obstruction. We report the case of a 31-year-old male who experienced upper airway obstruction due to an acute TDC infection. We performed a curative modified Sistrunk procedure to relieve the obstruction during the acute episode. This case underscores the critical need for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with airway emergencies in infected TDCs. We also discuss the challenges of managing an acutely infected TDC with emergent airway involvement, necessitating a more complex surgical approach.