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 Tc 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 Tc 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 Tc-uptake in determining the final graft outcome is possible.