Thyroid abscess: a rare complication following fine needle aspiration

Abscess is a rare pathology to affect the thyroid gland owing to several protective anatomical and physiological factors. Anatomical abnormalities of the thyroid, underlying thyroid pathology and an immunocompromised state have been known to be the leading risk factors associated with thyroid abscesses with only a few case reports noted secondary to trauma and iatrogenic causes. This is a rare case of a thyroid abscess in an immunocompetent adult presenting following a fine needle aspiration (FNA) performed for investigation of a thyroid nodule. She was treated conservatively with antibiotics and ultrasound guided aspiration and recovered without further reoccurrence. This case outlines a rare complication of FNA which is a commonly performed investigation used in the workup for thyroid disease and highlights the importance of a timely diagnosis and appropriate management.