Percutaneous ethanol injection efficacy in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Ten-year follow-up of 254 patients

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Although percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (PEI) has been used for more than 30 years, there are only two studies in thyroid cysts (THCY) and 2 in autonomously functioning nodule (AFN) in which the mean follow-up reaches at least five years, while in the event of non-autonomously functioning solid nodules (NAS), there is not any study with at least 5-year mean follow-up. Our study focuses on the long-term efficacy of PEI in benign thyroid nodules. Method: We analyzed the long-term success of PEI in 254 patients treated for more than 10 years. The success was defined as 50% or greater reduction in nodule volume. In addition, the patient had to remain euthyroid without thyrostatic therapy in AFN. Results: The 10-year success rate was 79.4%, 37.1% and 69.4% in THCY, AFN and NAS, respectively. In 23.3% of unsuccessful PEIs, the failure could be revealed only after 5 years of follow-up. The mean nodule volume at 10-year follow-up related to the initial size was 29.8%, 39.6% and 48.9% in THCY, NAS and AFN, respectively. In THCY, PEI proved to be significantly more effective in older patients while other parameters (size of the nodule, amount of the injected alcohol and the ratio of these) did not correlate significantly with the success rate. Conclusions: Our study which presents the longest follow-up in all 3 types of benign thyroid nodules confirms that PEI has a minimal role in AFN, is recommendable in THCY and might have a role in NAS. The success rate decreases over time which emphasizes the importance of the long-term follow-up in the judgement of PEI. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(6): 224-231.