We report a 41 years old man admitted with a tender goiter, fever, thyrotoxic manifestations and atrial fibrillation. Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis and treatment with aspirin and propranolol was started, obtaining a rapid relief of symptoms and normalization of heart rate. On the tenth day after admission, severe dysphagia, dysphonia, irritative cough and further enlargement of the neck mass developed. Fine needle aspiration of the mass and thyroid ultrasound lead to the diagnosis of a thyroidal abscess, which was surgically excised, draining 250 ml of purulent material. Cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Patient was treated during 21 with cloxacilyn and discharged with normal thyroid function. Long term follow up has been uneventful.