Complications of ultrasound guided percutaneous ethanol injection therapy of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

OBJECTIVES: Since 1990 percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT) has been applied clinically as a treatment strategy for focal and diffuse autonomy of the thyroid, for cystic lesions and for ablation of parathyroid hyperplasia (PEA). There are some additional indications currently under consideration as for example inoperable advanced cancer of the thyroid. Since its inception PEIT and PEA have been regarded as an effective, inexpensive and low risk procedure.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: We discuss mild and severe complications of these methods reported in literature and the first case so far of a severe ethyl toxic necrosis of the larynx and adjacent skin in a patient treated with PEIT by a radiologist.
RESULTS: To date, no serious side effects have been reported in connection with these therapies. Some authors conclude that the side effects are in no way negligible and caution and routine should be exercised when using PEIT or PEA. Most complications have been transient in nature. The complication of ethyl toxic necrosis of the larynx was serious and the patient was admitted to hospital, treated conservatively and ten month later microsurgically. Voice thus could be restored to almost normal.
CONCLUSIONS: PEIT for focal and diffuse autonomy, for cystic lesions of the thyroid, for thyroid hyperplasia and PEA for parathyroid hyperplasia are methods which are inexpensive and can be performed on an ambulatory base. These are the methods of choice if surgical intervention or radioiodine therapies are not practicable out of medical reasons or by refusal of the patient. The patient must be informed about possible severe complications. The examiner should have substantial experience in these methods. If complications an early opinion of a specialist is required.