(A643) Thyroid Abscess Following Fine Needle Aspiration in an Immunocompetent, Pregnant Patient: A Case Report

Introduction: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is a common, ambulatory procedure widely considered safe with minimal complications. This case report presents a rare finding of thyroid abscess following FNA in an immunocompetent, pregnant adult to illustrate the diagnosis and management for this uncommon but important condition.

Methods: A literature review was performed to identify reports that similarly describe thyroid abscess formation following FNA. Relevant publications found in the literature review are summarized and serve as a framework for the discussion of the case.

Results: The study presents a 34-year-old woman in the first trimester of pregnancy who underwent thyroid FNA of a right 4.8 cm nodule and a left 1.5 cm nodule. Over the following 8 weeks, she developed increasing right neck swelling, induration, and pain. Ultrasound revealed a complex, large right neck mass with prominent lymph nodes. She underwent incision and drainage of the thyroid abscess with biopsies and was treated with a prolonged course of antibiotics. The literature review yielded 9 case reports describing thyroid abscess formation following FNA in immunocompetent patients.

Conclusions: This case reports a rare and unusual complication of a frequently performed procedure. We present a review of the literature and discussion of approaches to evaluating and managing patients thyroid abscesses following FNA.