Navigating the spectrum of double-outlet right ventricle presentations: Outcomes from a contemporary cohort based on subtypes.

PURPOSE: Our aim in this study was to investigate the prenatal and postnatal prognosis of double outlet right ventricle (DORV) cases diagnosed prenatally by analyzing the outcomes based on the subtype. METHODS: This study is a retrospective chart review. Cases diagnosed with fetal DORV by prenatal ultrasound in the maternal-fetal medicine department of our hospital between 2014 and 2022 were included. Data on maternal characteristics, fetal echocardiographic features (type of DORV), pregnancy and neonatal outcomes (termination of pregnancy [TOP], intrauterine fetal death [IUD], neonatal death [NND], death in infancy (IND), survival) were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety-nine cases of prenatally diagnosed cases of DORV were included. The prenatal diagnosis was right in 97% of the liveborn fetuses. The cases were classified into subtypes, including transposition of great arteries (TGA), Fallot, ventricular septal defect (VSD), remote, and heterotaxy types. The cohort consisted of 32.3% TGA type, 19.1% fallot type, 11.1% VSD type, 2% remote type, and 35.3% heterotaxy type of DORV. An additional cardiac anomaly was observed in 87% and an extra-cardiac anomaly was observed in 54% of the cases. When we excluded the cases with heterotaxy type but without any chromosomal abnormality, additional genetic abnormalities were detected in 42% of the remaining cases. Outcome of pregnancy was livebirth in 68/99 (68.7%), IUFD in 5/99 (5.1%), and TOP in 26/99 (26.3%). Postnatal cardiac surgical repair was performed in 48 cases. Survival among livebirths was 39/68 (57.3%). Twenty-nine neonates or infants who had additional cardiac anomalies and/or genetic abnormalities died before any surgical intervention. The postoperative survival rate was 39/48 (81.2%). CONCLUSION: The prognosis in DORV depends on the anatomical subtype, the presence, and severity of associated anomalies. Survival increases in isolated cases without any additional structural or genetic anomalies.

Do sports protect us from COVID-19? An evaluation of COVID-19 infection, vaccination status, and cardiac examination findings in children who exercise.

AIM: The COVID-19 pandemic which has devastated the whole world for the past 3 years affects different patient groups differently. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, symptoms, and severity of COVID-19 infection, vaccination status, and cardiac pathologies of children who exercise. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of the children and adolescents who applied to our paediatric cardiology outpatient clinic for preparticipation examinations between 01.01.22 and 31.12.2022 were scanned retrospectively, and information about their COVID-19 history, the severity of infection, symptoms during the infection, at the time of the examination, and vaccination status was obtained. The results were analysed using MS Excel 2016 software. RESULTS: The study consisted of 240 children [82 (34.17%) girls and 158 (65.83%) boys] whose mean age was 12.64 ± 2.64 years, mean weight was 50.03 ± 15.53 kg, mean height was 157 ± 15.09 cm, and mean body mass index was 19.65 ± 3.59. 129 cases had a COVID-19 history, 74 cases had no COVID-19 history, and 37 only had contact but no polymerase chain reaction positivity. 84 cases were mild, 19 were moderate, and 12 were asymptomatic. The most common symptoms were fatigue, malaise, headache, sore throat, and fever. 51 cases (35.15%) were vaccinated against COVID-19. No significant cardiac pathologies were detected in electrocardiography or echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that COVID-19 infections in children who exercise are generally mild and self-limiting. Our findings suggest that exercise may have positive effects on immunity.

Persistant Left Superior Vena Cava with and Without Right Superior Vena Cava: Significance of Prenatal Diagnosis.

This study aims to define the associated anomalies with PLSVC, and to compare single PLSVC and bilateral superior vena cava in terms of accompanying anomalies and pregnancy outcomes. This was a retrospective study of the fetuses diagnosed with single and/or bilateral SVC at a tertiary fetal medicine center during 8 years. We detected 16 cases of single PLSVC and 84 cases of bilateral SVC. We found an association between the PLSVC and cardiac and extracardiac anomalies. Comparison between single PLSVC and BSVC cases revealed significant differences in the occurrence of heterotaxy and right isomerism. The study highlights the importance of prenatal diagnosis in PLSVC cases. Isolated PLSVC with situs solitus may be considered a benign finding, but larger studies are needed to understand the clinical implications of PLSVC in relation to chromosomal anomalies. Routine screening protocols should include three-vessel and trachea views to detect PLSVC.

Infantile hemangiomatosis, a rare cause of high-output heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in the newborn baby: a case report.

Infantile hemangiomatosis is among the most common vascular tumours of childhood that is generally accepted as benign. Some cases may have multiple hemangiomas with organ involvement, especially of the liver. This case report will present the clinical and laboratory findings obtained during the treatment and follow-up of a 36-day-old female baby with hemangiomatosis with diffuse liver involvement, high-output heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.

Fetal Echocardiographic Findings to Predict Early Surgical Repair and Neonatal Outcomes in Fetuses with Isolated Coarctation of the Aorta.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate fetal echocardiographic findings in predicting the need for surgical repair in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and to evaluate perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective study, fetuses diagnosed with CoA in a tertiary center between January 2015 and June 2021 were analyzed. Fetal echocardiographic measurements and quantitative findings, middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) Doppler indices, and perinatal outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 57 fetuses with CoA were included in the study. In total, 51 (89.5%) pregnancies resulted in live births and 32 (62.8%) of the neonates underwent surgical repair. The left ventricle/right ventricle width ratio and aortic isthmus z-score were significantly lower in fetuses who underwent surgical repair (p = 0.004 0.001, respectively). Retrograde flow in the aortic isthmus (odds ratio [OR]:7.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98-27.76), left-to-right foramen ovale shunt (OR: 8.50; 95% CI: 1.68-42.98), and ventricular septal defect (OR: 9.63; 95% CI: 1.90-48.74) were associated with the need for surgical repair. A new scoring system integrating these echocardiographic findings had 89% specificity and 54% sensitivity in predicting surgical repair. Fetal growth restriction rates, preterm birth rates, mean MCA pulsatility index (PI), and mean UA PI were similar in fetuses with and without surgical repair. CONCLUSION: A scoring system integrating echocardiographic findings in fetuses with CoA may improve the prediction of surgical repair need. There is no evidence of an increased risk of FGR, preterm birth, and brain sparing effect in fetuses with CoA who require surgical repair. KEY POINTS: · Coarctation of the aorta is one of the most difficult congenital heart defects to diagnose.. · A new scoring system may improve the prediction of surgical repair need.. · There is no increased risk of fetal growth restriction in fetuses requiring early surgical repair..

Intriguing new faces of Covid-19: persisting clinical symptoms and cardiac effects in children.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the persisting Covid-19-related symptoms of the cases included in our study and to assess their cardiac findings to determine the impact of Covid-19 on children's cardiovascular health. METHODS: In this study, 121 children between the ages of 0- and 18 with Covid-19 were evaluated based on their history, blood pressure values, and electrocardiography and echocardiography results. These findings were compared with the findings of the control group which consisted of 95 healthy cases who were in the same age range as the study group and did not have Covid-19. The results were evaluated using the statistics program, SPSS 21. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the study group and the control group in terms of age, weight, and body mass index. The clinical symptoms (chest and back pain, dizziness, headache, palpitation, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of balance, coughing) of 37.2% of the cases persisted for at least 1 month after Covid-19 recovery. Statistically significant differences were found in systolic blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, relative wall thickness, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. CONCLUSION: The continuation of some cases' clinical symptoms post-recovery indicates that long Covid infection can be observed in children. The fact that statistically significant differences were observed between the echocardiographic parameters of the study and control groups suggests that Covid-19 may have effects on the cardiovascular system. To shed light on the long Covid cases among children and the infection's cardiac impacts, it would be beneficial to conduct more comprehensive studies on this matter.

Cardiac involvement in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children cases.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children is a rare form of COVID-19 that affects various organ systems and carries the risk of morbidity and mortality. Cardiac involvement is commonly observed in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children cases; hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the cardiac findings of the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children cases that were diagnosed and followed up in our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical histories, laboratory results, cardiac findings, and treatments of the cases that were diagnosed with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children between December 2020 and August 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Our study group consisted of 14 males and 12 females whose median age was 3.67 years. Of the 26 patients, 24 had echocardiographic findings and 12 cases had cardiac pathologies that were mostly mild. Among these, mitral valve insufficiency, coronary artery pathology, and pericardial effusion were the most common. Perivascular brightness, aortic and tricuspid insufficiency, systolic dysfunction, and tricuspid thrombosis were less common. The cardiac pathologies of all patients resolved in less than a month following treatment. CONCLUSION: Although the cardiac pathologies of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children cases disappear fairly rapidly, the long-term cardiac effects of this disease are not known clearly. To improve our current understanding of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, more multi-centred studies with long-term follow-up periods should be conducted, and treatment protocols for cases of different severities should be developed to maximise the treatments' efficacy.

Challenges in Evaluation and Management of Children with Myocardial Bridging.

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital anomaly where a coronary artery branch or group of branches extends inside a tunnel consisting of myocardium. Although it is mostly considered "benign," it is reported that MB may lead to significant cardiac problems and sudden cardiac deaths. While it is a congenital anomaly, its symptoms usually arise at further ages rather than childhood. The literature on MB in children is in the form of case reports or small case series. This is why pediatric cases are assessed in the light of information obtained from adults. This review compiled the literature on MB in adults and children and compared it, as well as discussing questions arising regarding the clinic, diagnosis, and treatment of MB.

Left-sided Poland's syndrome associated with dextrocardia.

Poland's syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly accompanied by the absence of the pectoralis major, and the ipsilateral upper-limb and chest wall deformities. Hypoplasia of the breast, agenesis of the ipsilateral rib cartilage, athelia, and ipsilateral developmental finger anomalies such as syndactyly can also be seen. In the literature, only 56 cases of dextrocardia and left-sided Poland's syndrome have been described. Herein, a case of left-sided Poland's syndrome coexisting with dextrocardia and nasal hemangioma was presented.

The analysis of the effects of acute rheumatic fever in childhood on cardiac disease with data mining.

BACKGROUND: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an important disease that is frequently seen in Turkey, it is necessary to develop solutions to cure the disease. It is believed that new data analysis methods may be applied to this disease, and this may be useful to discover previously unrecognized patterns. Data mining of existing records and data repositories may improve knowledge on the diagnosis and management of ARF. In this regard, we planned to make a contribution to the development of new solutions by approaching the problem from a different standpoint. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyse the effects of ARF undergone during childhood on the basis of cardiac diseases by using data mining methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Classification methods of data mining were used, and experiments were conducted on five algorithms. The records of the patients diagnosed with ARF were analysed by setting models with naive Bayes classifier, decision trees (CART, C4.5, C5.0, C5.0 boosted) and random forest algorithms. The performances of the algorithms that were derived were then compared. Among model performance evaluation techniques, the hold-out, cross-validation and bootstrap methods were tested in diverse ways in an applied manner. Within the scope of the research, the dataset comprising records of 297 patients was utilised in cooperation with Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital's Pediatric Cardiology Clinic (Istanbul Medeniyet Üniversitesi Göztepe Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi Çocuk Kardiyolojisi Klinigi). Data analysis was carried out with the data of the remaining 201 patients following pre-processing. RESULTS: The results that were obtained from different algorithms were compared based on the model performance evaluation criteria. The best result was shown under the CART model by using the hold-out technique (80% training, 20% testing). According to this model, the importance values of the predictive attributes were listed, and it was found that the "teleNormal" and "cardiomegaly" attributes were not required for ARF diagnosis and treatment. In compliance with this result, it was thought that it should not be necessary for patients have a chest x-ray which is needed for diagnosis of "teleNormal" and "cardiomegaly". This will help reduce costs and thus contribute to the health economy while preventing patients from having unnecessary x-rays. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that data mining techniques may be used to analyse diseases such as ARF. The important attributes that affect the disease were obtained in accordance with the results. The results of the best model (CART) may be broadened in numerous ways and provide information for both experienced and inexperienced physicians. This study is considered to be significant as it helps data mining methods become more prevalently used for data analysis in fields of medicine and healthcare.

Cardiac examination in children with Laron syndrome undergoing mecasermin therapy.

BACKGROUND: Laron syndrome (LS), which can be defined as primary growth hormone resistance or insensitivity, is a rare genetic disease inherited by an autosomal recessive trait. Although it is undistinguishable from growth hormone deficiency, LS has high levels of growth hormone, but insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) cannot be synthesized. Mecasermin treatment is the only option for the patients who suffer from LS. This study aims to research cardiac findings of children with LS, who receive treatment with mecasermin. METHODS: The study enrolled five children four males and one female, 4 M/1 F with LS, two of whom were siblings with a mean age of 6.3±2.1 years, a body weight of 13.36±4.74 kg, a height of 88±8.7 cm, and a body mass index (BMI) of 16.47±3.35. Their demographic data were obtained from their family and files. The children received mecasermin via subcutaneous injection at 0.04-0.12 µg/kg doses twice per day. The duration of mecasermin treatment was 8-53 months. All of them were examined clinically by electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. RESULTS: Their cardiac examinations were normal, except for one case, who had systolic murmur at cardiac auscultation. Arrhythmia was not observed on their electrocardiograms. The echocardiograms did not show a significant congenital cardiac anomaly. Their cardiac measure and functions were within normal ranges. The echocardiogram of the child with the murmur showed mitral and tricuspid insufficiency. The Doppler images showed pulmonary hypertension findings. These findings were proven by angiography. The vasoreactivity test results of that patient were negative. No reason could be found for the observed pulmonary hypertension. We diagnosed this finding as a primary pulmonary hypertension and Bosentan therapy was started. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that cardiac findings were consistent with previous studies. To the best of our knowledge, the observed pulmonary hypertension in children with LS, who received treatment with or without mecasermin, is reported for first time in the literature.

Dangerous triplet: Polycystic ovary syndrome, oral contraceptives and Kounis syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, androgen excess and polycystic ovaries and is associated with hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular events. Oral contraceptives constitute first-line treatment, particularly when symptomatic hyperandrogenism is present. However, these drugs are associated with cardiovascular events and hypersensitivity reactions that pose problem in differential diagnosis and therapy. We present a 14 year-old female with polycystic ovary syndrome taking oral contraceptive and suffering from recurrent coronary ischemic attacks with increased eosinophils, and troponin levels suggesting Kounis syndrome.

A comparative study of Cardi-O-Fix septal occluder versus Amplatzer septal occluder in percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defects.

AIM: We sought to investigate the safety and efficacy of Cardio-O-Fix septal occluder (CSO) in percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) as compared to the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). METHODS: A consecutive of 351 patients received transcatheter ASD closure with CSO or ASO from July 2004 to October 2010 were studied. The ASDs were divided into simple- (isolated defects <26 mm) or complex-types (isolated defect ≥26 mm, double or multifenestrated defects). The procedures were guided by fluoroscopy and transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-ups were arranged before discharge, at 1 month and then every 6-month after implantation. RESULTS: During the study period, 185 (125 males, aged 18.5 ± 15.6 years) and 166 (103 males, aged 21.0 ± 15.7 years) patients attempted CSO and ASO implants, respectively. The CSO group had similar ASD and device sizes, prevalence of complex lesions (17 vs. 16%, P = 0.796), procedural times and success rates (97% vs. 96%, P = 0.635) as compared to the ASO group. Acute residual shunts were less prevalent in CSO than ASO group and most shunts closed spontaneously at 6-month follow-ups. The average equipment cost per patient was lower in CSO group (US$ 4,100 vs. US$ 5,900, P < 0.001). The prevalence of device embolization and atrial arrhythmia (all <2%) were similar in both patient groups. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter ASD occlusion with CSO is safe and effective and it appeared to be an attractive alternative to ASO in closing simple-type ASD because of its relatively low cost.

Transthoracic echocardiographic guidance during transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in children and adults.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure guided by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Since 2004, ASD closure was performed successfully in total 337 patients. Transthoracic echocardiography guidance was used in 206 patients (61.1%) (group 1). Closure was guided by transesophageal echocardiography under general anesthesia in patients with poor transthoracic acoustic windows, defects with aneurysmatic septum and/or multiple defects in 131 patients (38.9%) (group 2). The median age (9 vs. 16 years, P < 0.001), mean defect diameter (14.9 ± 4 vs. 17.2 ± 5 mm, P < 0.001), ratio of complex atrial septal defect (14 vs. 34%, P = 0.01), the median balloon stretch dimensions (21 vs. 18.7 mm, P = 0.003) and the median device diameters (22 vs. 19 mm, P < 0.001) were significantly greater in group 2 compared to group 1. Both the median procedure time and the median fluoroscopy time was significantly shorter in group 1 (60 vs. 75; and 13 vs. 16.5 min; P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The incidence of residual shunt did not differ significantly in two groups during follow up. Transthoracic echocardiography guidance during transcatheter ASD closure is safe and effective in children and in many adults. Even complex ASDs could be closed with TTE in patients with good acoustic windows. Performing the procedure under TTE guidance significantly reduces procedure time and also provides increased patient's comfort.

Diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of patients with aortopulmonary window.

BACKGROUND: Aortopulmonary window (APW) is a communication between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery in the presence of two separate semilunar valves and is the rarest of septal defects. AIMS: To present our experience with the diagnosis and outcome of APW cases. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Between June 2003 and October 2011, thirteen patients were diagnosed with APW. Clinical features of patients, findings of echocardiographic and angiographic examination, results of surgical intervention and follow-up were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Eleven children (10 days to 16 years), underwent surgical correction of APW. In a 12-month-old boy, the defect was repaired by the transcatheter approach. In addition to APW repair, closure of VSD was performed in 2 patients. APW were associated with interruption in two patients; one also had a complex pathology. None of the patients died due to complications of surgical or transcatheter procedures. After a median follow-up period of 40 months, the patients were asymptomatic and none of them required additional medication, except for the patient with complex pathology including an interrupted aortic arch, who underwent balloon angioplasty for recoarctation. CONCLUSION: In any infant with the findings of congestive heart failure and failure to thrive, APW must be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis. In isolated APW cases before 6 months of age, echocardiography is often sufficient for diagnosis. In complex cases, cardiac catheterisation is performed for the comprehensive evaluation of associated defects. After 6 months, cardiac catheterisation could be utilised to perform vasoreactivity testing and, if possible, to close the defect.

Cheatham-Platinum stent for native and recurrent aortic coarctation in children and adults: immediate and early follow-up results.

OBJECTIVE: To present our institutional experience of endovascular Cheatham-Platinum stent implantation in children and adults with native and recurrent aortic coarctation. METHODS: Between August 2007 and November 2009, 45 patients had aortic coarctation treated with 47 stents implantation. We preferred primarily stent implantation in adult patient with coarctation, in children more than five years-old it is preferred in cases of aneurysm, subatretic or blind coarctation and coarctation with patent ductus arteriosus or in restenosis. Files of stent-implanted patients were retrospectively analyzed in terms of patients' demographic features, echocardiographic and angiographic findings both before and after procedure. Patients were grouped as Group 1: native coarctation and Group 2: recoarctation developed after either surgery or balloon angioplasty. Findings of the cases' were compared using paired and unpaired Student's t, Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Sixteen covered and 31 bare totally 47 balloon expandable stents were implanted in 45 patients. The mean follow up duration was 12.1 ± 7.1, median 11 months (2-29 months). There was no procedure related death. In two patients two stents were implanted in tandem. While the coarctation of the aorta was native in 26 patients (functionally interrupted aortic arch in one), recoarctation was detected in 7 patients after surgery, in 8 patients after balloon angioplasty, in 4 patients both after surgery and balloon angioplasty. One patient had functionally interrupted aortic arch perforated with guide wire and then covered stent implanted. The mean age 12.2 ± 5.9 years (5-33 years) and mean body mass index was 21 ± 3.7 kg/m2 (14.8-31 kg/m2). Considering all cases, a statistically significant decrease in both the invasive and echocardiographic gradients (p<0.001 for both) and statistically significant increase in lesion diameter (p<0.001) were detected. The decrease in invasive and echocardiographic gradients and increase in lesion diameter is statistically significant in each group also (p<0.001, <0.001 and <0.001 for both groups, respectively). Before the procedure, the invasive gradient was significantly higher and the lesion diameter was significantly lower in group I than in group II (p=0.002 and p=0.005, respectively). Also the percentage of decrease in gradient and increase in diameter was statistically higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.04 and p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Our early and short- term follow-up results indicate that stent implantation is safe and very effective in reducing coarctation gradient and increasing lesion diameter both in native coarctation and recoarctation.

[Arterial tortuosity syndrome in two cases]. / Iki olguda kivrimli arter (tortuosity) sendromu.

Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is a rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disease characterized by elongation, tortuosity, aneurysmatic formation, and stenotic lesions in large and medium-size arteries. We present two cases of ATS diagnosed during cardiac examination for murmurs. The first was an 11-year-old boy who had an atypical facial appearance and hyperelasticity. He had a prior operation for inguinal hernia. Echocardiography showed aneurysmatic dilatation in the main pulmonary artery and peripheral stenotic lesions. Angiography and computed tomography angiography confirmed aneurysmatic formation in the main pulmonary artery and multiple stenotic lesions in peripheral arteries and showed elongation and tortuosity of the major branches of the aorta. Surgical reconstruction of the pulmonary arterial system was performed. The second was a 3-month-old girl with an atypical facial appearance, hyperelasticity, and marked hypotonia. The aortic arch could not be visualized during echocardiography. Angiographic examination showed mild bilateral stenosis of distal pulmonary arteries, elongation and tortuosity of the aortic arch and its main branches.

Aortico-left ventricular tunnel experience on three different ages.

Aortico-left ventricular tunnel is extremely rare congenital paravalvar communication between the aorta and the left ventricle. Usually it is treated surgically. In addition to the surgery the tunnel can be closed by percutaneous transcatheter intervention in appropriate patients. We present in this paper 7 months, 10 years, and 1,5 months old three male cases with aortico-left ventricular tunnel that were surgically treated and followed up within 7 years in our clinic.

Actinomycotic suppurative thyroiditis in a child.

AIM: To present a rare case of actinomycotic suppurative thyroiditis in an infant with provision of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical findings and treatment of this rare disease. DESIGN: A report of an 18-month-old female infant who presented with fever, erythema, induration and tenderness of the neck. The patient had the diagnosis of acute suppurative thyroiditis after a series of laboratory evaluation. RESULT: She was treated successfully with surgical debridement and intravenous penicillin G. CONCLUSION: Although rare, Actinomyces spp. should be considered in the etiology of acute suppurative thyroiditis. Because of its fastidious nature the probability of positive culture is low, thus, the microbiology laboratory should be called in advance to make preparations before culture and transport.