Abstract
Thyroid abscess is a very rare disease due to its anatomical position and the physiology of the gland. It most often occurs in the immunosuppressed population. The diagnosis is easy and is based on ultrasound. However it is often unrecognised. Bacteriological examination allows to identify the germ responsible for this condition. We report the case of a Mauritanian patient living in the said country presenting with painful cervical swelling associated with fever. The diagnosis was based on ultrasound and confirmed by fluid examination. Bacteriological assessment didn't identify the cause of this condition. Patient's outcome was marked by regression of symptoms under antibiotic therapy, with normalization of the gland structure after two months.