Heterotopic thyroid autotransplantation: A preliminary clinical study

Background Thyroid autotransplantation offers an attractive alternative to subtotal thyroidectomy and replacement therapy. However, it has not been sufficiently clinically investigated. Methods Total thyroidectomy was performed for 20 patients with benign thyroid disorders, and at least 10 g of thyroid tissue were implanted intramuscularly. Graft monitoring was achieved through 99mTc scan at 2 months, free triiodothyronine (FT3), FT4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurements at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months postoperatively, and clinical examination. Results Grafts survived and gradually functioned in all patients to a variable extent after a latent period (mean 99mTc uptake = 1.28 ± 0.37%). Mean values for FT3, FT4, TSH at 12 months were 1.75 ± 0.48 pg/mL, 1.06 ± 0.26 ng/dL, and 28.08 ± 34.01 μIU/mL respectively. Conclusion Thyroid autotransplantation restored euthyroid status in 33.3% of patients after 12 months. A role of age, operative time, and 99mTc-uptake in determining the final graft outcome is possible.