Apoptotic study in Graves disease treated with thyroid arterial embolization

Thyroid ima artery embolization for the treatment of Graves' disease and thyroid storm

Graves' disease may be managed with thyroid embolization when other traditional strategies are less suitable. To date, no reports exist on the embolization of the thyroid ima artery for Graves' disease or the outcomes of this procedure. Here, we present a safe and successful report of thyroid ima artery embolization in a neutropenic patient with thyroid storm. A 30-year-old female with a history of Graves' disease presented to a community hospital with heat intolerance, anxiousness, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Further laboratory testing prompted the diagnosis of thyroid storm. Embolization of the thyroid was chosen for management because total thyroidectomy risked infection in the setting of methimazole-induced neutropenia. The patient's thyroid ima artery was significantly enlarged and had a large perfusion distribution across the thyroid. It was selected for embolization, along with the right superior thyroid artery, and successfully resulted in a 60% reduction of thyroid perfusion. No complications resulted from this procedure. Although the prevalence of patients with thyroid ima artery is low, this artery can be safely and effectively embolized for the management of Graves' disease and thyroid storm.

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.

Embolização de artérias tireoidianas como opção terapêutica para o hipertireoidismo: série de casos

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a resposta da embolização arterial tireoidiana como terapêutica para o hipertireoidismo primário. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinco mulheres com falha ao tratamento farmacológico com tionamida foram submetidas a vaso-oclusão em três artérias dominantes tireoidianas (avaliadas por ultrassonografia Doppler e arteriografia) e acompanhadas até 8 semanas após o procedimento (três acompanhadas até 16 semanas) com ultrassonografia Doppler, calcemia, função tireoidiana e controle clínico. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma alcançou remissão permanente de doença após 8 semanas. Houve recidiva de hipertireoidismo em 24 semanas, mesmo com redução do volume tireoidiano de 49,5 ± 15,2% em 16 semanas. Não encontramos complicações, mas radioiodo foi necessário após 24 semanas em três das pacientes acompanhadas. CONCLUSÃO: Nas pacientes que concluíram o protocolo, a vaso-oclusão arterial com polivinil álcool nas três artérias dominantes permitiu redução volumétrica do bócio, entretanto, foi ineficiente em controlar o hipertireoidismo.

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.

Selective Embolization of Thyroid Arteries for Preresection or Palliative Treatment of Large Cervicomediastinal Goiters

Background: The authors have applied the selective embolization of thyroid arteries in the treatment of voluminous cervicomediastinal goiters, especially in patients at high surgical risk or reluctant to undergo surgical intervention and radioiodine therapy. Method: Selective arteriography was used to embolize the thyroid arteries in 2 patients with voluminous hyperfunctioning cervicomediastinal goiters and mediastinal compressive symptoms. The first patient had already undergone unsuccessful radioiodine metabolic therapy and had severe left ventricular insufficiency contraindicating surgery. The second patient, despite having no contraindications, declined surgery and radioiodine metabolic therapy. Results: Radiological embolization markedly reduced the goiters in volume, resolved the compressive symptoms, and also normalized thyroid hyperfunction. The second patient needed a second embolization procedure because the embolized arterial branches had partly recanalized. Conclusion: Selective embolization of thyroid arteries can be successfully used to treat selected patients as a preoperative procedure and as an alternative to thyroid resection. Embolization can be repeated to achieve the required therapeutic aims.