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.