Cryopreserved Thyroid Tissue Autotransplant in Pediatric Age Patients: A Feasibility Study and Literature Review

Simple Summary This study explores cryopreservation thyroid autotransplantation as an alternative to hormonal replacement therapy for patients who underwent thyroidectomy during childhood or adulthood. The research evaluates the impact of modern cryopreservation techniques on follicular cell integrity through a feasibility study and literature review. Results indicate preserved tissue architecture and cell viability. Animal and human studies demonstrate successful transplantation outcomes. However, long-term follow-up data are lacking. The findings suggest promising viability of cryopreserved thyroid tissue, yet further research is needed to assess hormone secretion and ensure sustained functionality. This alternative therapy could offer tailored hormone production, aligning with physiological needs.Abstract Background and aims: This paper aims to study an alternative solution to hormonal replacement therapy in specific groups of patients who underwent thyroidectomy during childhood or adulthood. After cryopreservation, thyroid autotransplantation could be an alternative solution which would allow us to use the ability of the thyroid tissue of producing hormones according to the physiological needs of the body. Materials and methods: A feasibility study about the effects of the most modern cryopreservation techniques on the structural and functional integrity of the follicular cells of the thyroid tissue has been carried out. Patients who could benefit from the treatment have been found for both autotransplant techniques. Additionally, a literature review has been conducted. Results: The histological analysis has shown that cryopreservation does not alter the original architecture, and the culture examination that cell viability is successfully preserved. Moreover, both thyroid autotransplantation studies on animals and those on humans that were found in the literature have shown good results regarding the viability and functionality of the transplant. Conclusions: The viability of cryopreserved thyroid tissue found in this study is encouraging. Further studies to evaluate the levels of FT3, FT4 and thyroglobulin in thyroid tissue after cryopreservation are needed to verify that the secretory properties of the thyrocytes have been maintained intact. Furthermore, autotransplanted cases found in the literature do not have a long-term follow-up.