Infection is extremely rare in the pathology of the thyroid gland. One case is reported, and a review of the literature has helped to emphasize some specific points. Acute thyroiditis can be misdiagnosed in its initial phase because a fever by itself may not lead to a through examination of the neck, even if a goitre is present; the latter being the site of infection in the case reported. Dyspnoea of laryngeal origin proves to be a dangerous complication of thyroid abscesses. Treatment is always surgical, linked with appropriate antibiotic therapy. In the long run, thyroid function is unaffected.