The calcium-phosphate balance, modulation of thyroid autoimmune processes and other adverse effects connected with thyroid arterial embolization.

In search of new treatment options for thyroid diseases, when conventional procedures are ineffective, contraindicated or associated with serious side effects, safety of thyroid arteries embolization in the treatment of particular thyroid diseases was evaluated. The study included eight subjects with retrosternal toxic goiter, six patients affected by Graves' disease, five cases of retrosternal non-toxic goiter, two subjects with post-amiodarone hyperthyroidism, and one patient with severe thyroid-related orbitopathy, who underwent selective embolization of thyroid arteries. The study assessed and compared calcium-phosphate balance, modulation of thyroid autoimmunity and the presence of different side effects in patients who underwent the procedure. In addition, the serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, anti-thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid volume have been measured. Five of all enrolled subjects (22.7 %) experienced transient, not clinically relevant hypocalcaemia with no need for calcium supplementation. There were no significant changes in serum calcium levels in patients after embolization of both inferior thyroid arteries. The transient side effects associated with the treatment were neck pain and a slight increase in body temperature. Noted high concentration of free thyroid hormones immediately after the procedure was not accompanied by worsening of symptoms or signs of thyrotoxicosis. In patients with Graves' disease, a significant decrease in thyrotropin receptor antibodies level was observed. Thyroid arterial embolization does not disturb permanently calcium-phosphate balance, modulates positively thyroid autoimmune processes and is associated with no serious post-procedure side effects. Hence, it may be considered as a safe and effective treatment modality for selected thyroid disorders.

Partial thyroid arterial embolization for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Hyperactive thyroid gland in patients that are unable to tolerate or accept standard therapy is a common clinical problem. Aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of partial thyroid arterial embolization in patients with hyperthyroidism. MATERIAL/METHODS: From May 2004 to November 2005 partial thyroid gland embolization was performed in 15 patients. Mean thyroid gland volume was 162 ml. Embolization of one to three thyroid arteries was performed with the mixture of Histoacryl and Lipiodol. Selective angiography was performed after embolization to ensure that the targeted arteries were completely occluded. Follow-up study covered 12 patients. RESULTS: The embolization procedure was well tolerated by all patients. Three days after embolization fT3 and fT4 levels were higher than before the procedure. Further laboratory tests showed quick reversal to near-normal or normal levels of thyroid hormones. 12 weeks follow-up showed: normal serum levels of fT3, fT4 and TSH in 9 of 12 patients (75%), hyperthyroidism in 3 of 12 patients (25%), goiter volume reduction of approximately 32% of its original volume (from 13 to 76.3%), mean thyroid gland volume of 94ml. One year after embolization 7 of 12 patients required thyreostatic drugs. At two and four years follow-up thyreostatics doses were significantly lower and thyroid tissue was fibrotic. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results the treatment of the thyroid gland goiters using arterial thyroid gland partial embolization may be offered as an effective alternative for patients who will not or cannot accept standard therapy.

[Arterial thyroid embolization in thyroid diseases]. / Zastosowanie embolizacji tetnic tarczowych w chorobach tarczycy.

Traditional forms of treatment of the thyroid diseases: pharmacotherapy, radioiodine therapy and surgery can not always be applied. Intolerance, side effects of antithyroid drugs, low iodine uptake, high risk of surgery or disagreement with the proposed treatment was the reason for seeking alternative healing methods. With the development of interventional radiology, and gained experience in the use of arterial embolization, this method has become possible to use in treatment of thyroid diseases. The essence of this treatment is to shut down blood flow in major arteries of the thyroid by direct injection into the vessel's light of adequate size particles containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The consequence of acute ischemia is septic necrosis of the glandular tissue in a field being supplied by this artery. Further repair processes and fibrosis lead to a reduction of active thyroid hormone synthesis and restriction of thyroid gland. Effects of embolization on angiogenesis, apoptosis and autoimmune reactions contribute to compensation thyroid function and significant reduction a goiter volume in course of Graves' disease. Preoperative selective embolization of a huge goiter or thyroid cancer improves surgery outcomes, reduces the risk of hemorrhage and damage to surrounding tissue. Palliative use of embolization in advanced stages of thyroid cancer reduces symptoms and improves quality of life. Little invasive nature of this procedure, the lack of serious undesirable coincidence makes embolization of thyroid arteries an attractive form of a therapy, which may become a therapeutic option in many difficult clinical situations and improve the clinical effectiveness of treatment of thyroid disease.