Thyroid actinomycosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by a radiant fungus that parasitizes on the surface of cereals and grass. According to modern data, the endogenous pathway of infection with a radiant fungus is more important than the exogenous one. The fungus causes an inflammatory process in the tissues with the formation of a specific infectious granuloma, in the center of which decay constantly occurs with the release of the toxin. The infection spreads primarily through the fiber, sometimes through the blood, less often through the lymph. About 40% of cases of the disease are localized in the region of the skull, tongue and neck, the rest in the chest and abdominal cavities, genitourinary organs, bones and joints, skin, and central nervous system. The rich blood supply to the thyroid gland, the close connection of its lymphatic system with the lymphatic apparatus of the oral cavity, pharynx and upper respiratory tract create the conditions for the spread of infection from these organs to the thyroid gland.

Thyroid actinomycosis is an extremely rare disease, it can be primary and isolated or secondary with generalized damage. The diagnosis is difficult. Typically, the process proceeds as strumite or thyroiditis. A correct diagnosis is possible only if the process goes beyond the capsule of the thyroid gland and gives characteristic signs of actinomycotic infiltrate. Characteristic of the absence of an increase in regional lymph nodes.

To clarify the diagnosis, a study of the discharge, a biopsy and tissue culture, an intradermal test is necessary. The absence of friends in pus does not deny the diagnosis of actinomycosis. Leading in the diagnosis is the clinical picture.

Treatment. It is recommended to administer actinolysate – 20-25 intradermal injections after 2-3 days. The first injection of 0.5 ml, the second 0.7, the third 0.8 ml; then, increasing 0.1 ml, adjusted to 2 ml. The lysate is injected into the muscles or into the skin.

Large doses of antibiotics of penicillin, streptomycin, biomycin, terramycin, etc. are used simultaneously with diphenhydramine (0.05 2-3 times a day). Sulfonamides are prescribed at 5-10 g per day up to 300 g per course; Phtivazide 0.3-0.5 g 2-3 times a day; 5-10% potassium iodide solution up to 100 ml per day; blood transfusion, multivitamins; X-ray therapy, vitamin therapy. With abscesses, they are opened.

The forecast is difficult.