[Efficacy of treatment of benign thyroid nodules by percutaneous ethanol injection].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) to solitary benign thyroid nodules in 232 patients (213 women and 19 men) in whom other treatments were refused or contraindicated. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I was comprised of 155 women and 17 men in state of euthyreosis, with cystic or solid nodules. Group II was comprised of 58 women and 2 men with pretoxic adenoma (TSH < 0.1 microIU/ml, T3 and T4 within normal limits). Sterile 96% ethanol was injected under sonographic guidance to the nodule bi-weekly so that the final dose did not exceed 1.5 ml of ethanol per 1 ml of nodule volume. TSH and T4 or T3 concentration was measured and USG was performed at the study entry and after 3, 6 and 12 months from the last PEI. After 12 months in group I a significant (73.8%) reduction of nodule volume was achieved (from 9.9 +/- 12.6 ml to 1.9 +/- 2.3 ml). In group II PEI proved similarly effective, as a significant (76.7%) nodule shrinkage was observed (from 7.0 +/- 6.8 ml to 1.4 +/- 1.0 ml). In this group 97.7% patients achieved normalization of TSH level. Side effects, mostly pain and low grade fever, were mild and resolved spontaneously. It is concluded that PEI appears an effective alternative in patients with pretoxic adenoma and solid or cystic nodule.