Spontaneous Regression of Autonomous Nodules of the Thyroid: A Study of Eight Cases

Abstract

On a girl of thirteen an autonomous thyroid nodule with hypersecretion has run its course towards hemorragic necrosis with suppression of hypersecretion. If partial cystic degeneration of autonomous thyroid nodule is frequent, it rarely occurs when extra-nodular thyroid tissue is completely suppressed, with clinical ‘cure’.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

Six women and two men

Clinical Characteristics

Six of the eight patients were found to be euthyroid, and two slightly hyperthyroid. Three of the euthyroid patients were shown, on the scintigram, to have a hot nodule and three a warm one. The two hyperthyroid patients had warm nodules which were noticeably larger than those of the others.

Remission Characteristics

Regression or resolution was established by means of scintigraphy after a period varying from one to about four years. One of the cases with an initial warm nodule developed a hot nodule about two years after regression. In the two slightly hyperthyroid cases, the resolution of the nodule coincided with the disappearance of the symptoms.

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Evolution of ahta towards regression or resolution

Additional Notes

In our patients this evolution was more frequent in the cases of autonomous nodules which on the initial scintigram showed the greatest dishomogeneity of distribution radioactivity within the thyroid nodule. When the regression or resolution of AHTA occurs without the characteristic symptoms of haemorrhagic infarction of the adenoma, it can only be ascertained by means of scanning and/or in-vitro thyroid function tests.