Percutaneous ethanol injection efficacy in the treatment of large symptomatic thyroid cystic nodules: ten-year follow-up of a large series.
We present a prospective study on the long-term efficacy of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) treatment of a large series of symptomatic thyroid cystic nodules (STCN). Ninety-eight patients (72 females and 26 males) were treated. The mean basal volume of the STCN was 35.3 mL. In 92 of 98 patients PEI treatment induced a greater than 50% nodule shrinkage, only 6 of 92 responder patients relapsed at a follow-up of 9 years. Moreover, all the patients had a significant clinical benefit because a significant reduction of the cyst-associated symptoms was recorded. Furthermore, a limited number of sessions was required for the treatment of cysts larger than 40 mL (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]: 2.7 +/- 0.75) demonstrating the feasibility of the procedure also in the treatment of large cysts. In conclusion, PEI is an effective and inexpensive procedure with a high patient compliance and long-lasting effects in the treatment of cysts larger than 40 mL.
Del Prete
S
S
Oncology Unit, Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio di Frattamaggiore, Italy.
Caraglia
M
M
Russo
D
D
Vitale
G
G
Giuberti
G
G
Marra
M
M
D'Alessandro
A M
AM
Lupoli
G
G
Addeo
R
R
Facchini
G
G
Rossiello
R
R
Abbruzzese
A
A
Capasso
E
E
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012997:Solvents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D012997:Solvents; D000431:Ethanol