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Treatment of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules by percutaneous ethanol injection.
Bagher Larijani1, Mohammad Pajouhi, Hossein Ghanaati
1Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. emrc@sina.tums.ac.ir
BMC Endocrine Disorders
|December 10, 2002
Summary
Percutaneous ethanol injection effectively treats autonomous thyroid nodules, reducing nodule size and normalizing thyroid hormone levels. This minimally invasive treatment offers a safe alternative to surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Autonomous thyroid nodules are a common endocrine condition.
- Treatment options include surgery, radioactive iodine, and percutaneous ethanol injection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection for treating autonomous thyroid nodules.
Main Methods:
- 35 patients with hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules received ultrasound-guided ethanol injections.
- Treatment continued until hormone levels normalized or side effects occurred.
- Patients were followed for up to 24 months.
Main Results:
- Nodule volume significantly decreased (average 18.2 ml to 5.7 ml at 6 months).
- Thyroid hormone levels normalized in all patients by 6 months.
- Ethanol injections were well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous ethanol injection is an effective and safe alternative treatment for autonomous thyroid nodules.
- It offers a less invasive option compared to surgery or radioactive iodine.