an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are often present. An ultrasound of the neck can be useful as it often reveals unilobular swelling, and is very helpful in detecting abscesses formation, spread to contiguous structures or defining the anatomy if surgical exploration is planned [20]. Furthermore,
sonography assists in the differentiation of ST from other causes of anterior neck pain and fever and allows radiographically-guided drainage of a thyroid abscess if present. Thyroid radionuclide scanning may not always visualize the organ with diffuse inflammation, although ‘patchy’ uptake or a ‘cold’ area can be present with localized or less
severe involvement [11].