Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection of small and medium-sized thyroid cysts with relatively small amounts of ethanol

作者：Halenka Milan^*; Karasek David; Frysak Zdenek

来源：Biomedical Papers-Olomouc, 2015, 159(3): 417-421.

DOI：10.5507/bp.2014.009

• thyroid cyst
• ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection
• volume reduction rate

Background. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection (US-guided PEI) is used in patients with recurring symptomatic thyroid cysts in whom simple drainage was not successful. It is an alternative non-surgical approach in patients refusing or at risk during surgery.
Methods and Results. US-guided PEI was performed in 33 patients, with a success rate of 100% and significantly decreased cyst volume after 1, 3 and 6 months after the last PEI compared with the initial volume. The mean number of PEI procedures was 1.5 +/- 0.7 with a mean 96% ethanol volume of 2.4 +/- 1.2 mL. In the entire group, the initial cyst volume was significantly reduced to the final volume at 6 months after PEI (10.82 +/- 5.03 mL vs. 0.78 +/- 0.84 mL; P<0.001). Also in all patients, mean volume reduction rates were significantly increased (P<0.001) at check-ups at 1 month (83.1 +/- 8.1%), 3 months (89.9 +/- 6.3%) and 6 months (92.6 +/- 6.4%). In case of medium-sized cysts, more PEI procedures were needed than in small cysts (1.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.5). The total amount of 96% ethanol was equal to 22.7 +/- 7.9% of the initial cyst volume.
Conclusion. Our experiences confirm that small and medium-sized cysts may be successfully treated with relatively small amounts of ethanol. In case of medium-sized cysts, more PEI procedures were needed. Final reduction of complex cysts was achieved later. Apart from temporary localized pain, no serious complications were observed in most cases.

• 出版日期2015