Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents. Treatment strategy includes antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy. The optimal treatment of Graves´ disease is still controversial. Our aim is to describe the surgical treatment of Graves’s disease in children and adolescents.

Material and methods

We report the clinical, therapeutic aspects and long-term results of 9 patients (< = 18 years old) operated for Graves’ disease, from 2000 to 2016.

Results

We identified 9 patients with mean age at diagnosis of 15.8 years [9 years – 18 years]. Our study included 3 boys and 6 girls. One patient had coeliac disease. Indications for surgery were: failed medical therapy after 2 years of treatment (5 cases) and presence of a compressive goiter (4 cases). Total thyroidectomy was performed in all cases. The postoperative course was complicated by transient hypocalcemia in one case. After an average follow-up of 5 years, all patients had control of the disease manifestations with biological euthyroidism.

Conclusion

Total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease offers rapid and durable control of hyperthyroidism. Surgery seems to be the appropriate treatment for children and adolescents.