1990 Volume 1990 Issue Supplement37 Pages 298-304
Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) are characterized by growth, function and iodine uptake that are independent of TSH control. The incidence of AFTN is reported to be from 0.7% to 2.4% of thyroid nodular lesions in Japan. Four female AFTN patients were treated surgically in our clinic. Two patients were euthyroid and 2 were hyperthyroid. Only one of hyperthyroid case required preoperative antithyroid therapy. In all patients, the measurment of thyroid hormones and thyroid scintiscans were performed preoperatively. A T3 suppression test was carried out on 3 patients.
All patients had hemi-or subtotal thyroidectomies on the in volved side. Histologically,3 of them were follicular adenoma and one was adenomatous goiter. Postoperative followup for 6 to 18 months has shown a favourable course and no recurrence in all patients.
