Objectives: Thyroid cysts remain a common clinical problem. Although simple aspiration, ethanol ablation, and radiofrequency ablation are effective, they have some limitations. There is therefore a need to identify a new and effective sclerosant for resolving these problems. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy as an active compound for sclerotherapy of thyroid cysts.
Patients and methods: Eight subjects whose thyroid cysts were recurrent despite repeated simple aspiration treatments were included in this study. The cysts were aspirated and then subjected to AHI. Lack of a significant reduction in cyst size (i.e. <50%) at follow-up resulted in further AHIs. Treatment success was defined as complete disappearance or a marked (i.e.>50%) reduction in the size of the cystic portion of the thyroid nodule on follow-up ultrasonography at least 6 months after the final AHI.
Results: A marked size reduction of>50% was ultimately found in all of the patients (100%), with a reduction varying from 73.68% to 99.07% (P<0.029). Six of the patients received a single AHI treatment, one received two AHIs, and one received three AHIs. None of the patients suffered from a recurrence during the follow-up period. Three patients experienced tolerable pain and local tenderness. No serious side effects were reported.
Conclusions: Intracystic AHI may be a safe and effective treatment for benign thyroid cysts.
Keywords: AHI; AHI (arginine hydrochloride injection); Kystes thyroïdiens; Recurrence; Récidive; Thyroid cysts; Traitement; Treatment.
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