Studies on a case of suppurative thyroiditis.

A patient with suppurative thyroiditis due to infection with Escherichia coli is described. Serial studies of thyroid function were performed. Before the abscess was drained there was no uptake of radio-iodine by the thyroid and there was some spillage of iodinated compounds from the gland. Post-operatively circulating thyroid hormone concentrations declined but were restored at four weeks. Thyroid uptake of radio-iodine was re-established two weeks after operation but there was little secretion of thyroxine at this time. Four weeks after operation the uptake of radio-iodine was greater than normal and thyroxine was being secreted. These changes in thyroid function were not associated with any significant rise in the plasma thyrotrophin concentration.