Multinodular goiter in children: treatment controversies

Multinodular goiter (MG) is very common in adults. MG may occur in children in some exceptional circumstances. The objective of this study was to examine two cases of MG in children who relapsed soon after surgery and to discuss the treatment options in pediatric ages.

Two girls consulted for euthyroid colloid goiter, uninodular goiter and bilateral MG. They were intervened by hemithyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy, respectively, due to the existence of local symptoms.

Goiters reappeared 3 years after intervention in both cases. They already appeared as bilaterally MG, and patients underwent a total thyroidectomy, in one case after 1 year of treatment with levothyroxine (LT4).

MG treatment remains controversial. There is an increasing trend to a more radical surgery decreasing recurrence risk. Treatment with LT4 may be tested but it is rarely effective. Regardless of the therapeutic option, these children should be followed up and they should know about the possibility of goiter regeneration and the need for reintervention.