Background: Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is used for the treatment of benign cystic thyroid nodules. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to obtain strong evidence of its long-term efficacy and safety.
Methods: PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched until November 2020 for studies reporting data on volume reduction rate (VRR), compressive symptoms and cosmetic concerns. Associated complications were assessed. A random-effects model was designed to pool the data.
Results: Out of 385 papers, nine studies evaluating 1667 nodules were finally included. Overall, VRR at 6, 12, 24, 36, 60 and 120 months was 77%, 81%, 72%, 68%, 74% and 69%, respectively. Significant reductions in the compressive symptoms and cosmetic concerns were observed. No permanent complications were observed.
Conclusions: The present meta-analysis showed that PEI could significantly reduce the volume of benign cystic thyroid nodules. This reduction was already effective at 6 months post-treatment, and the effect was stable over time.
Keywords: cystic thyroid nodules; meta-analysis; percutaneous ethanol injection; volume reduction rate.
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.