Percutaneous betamethasone injection for aspiration of a thick gelatinous systic fluid of the thyroid *
Thyroid cysts are a common clinical problem in outpatients. Fine needle aspiration biopsy（FNAB）is widely accepted as the most accurate procedure for diagnosis as well as treatment. However, sometimes the viscosity of cystic fluid is of such a thick gelatinous consistency that it cannot be evacuated by needle aspirations. Although we suggest non-surgical treatment, the cytologic findings from the aspirated fluid are required to confirm the status of suspicious benign lesions, some patients select surgical treatment due to local discomfort, dysphasia or cosmetic implications. We report the case of a 67-year-old woman who was found to have a 3.9×2.7×2.5-cm adenomatous goiter with 3.6×2.9×1.9-cm cyst in the left lobe of the thyroid. FNAB was performed on the cystic lesion. The cystic fluid was so viscous, however, that the contents could not be evacuated. To dilute the mucous cystic fluid and decrease local pain, Betamethasone sodium phosphate（４mg）was injected directly into the cyst. One week later, the cystic fluid was aspirated safely and easily. This procedure is safe, simple, cost effective and satisfies the patient. (Accepted on May ９，2008)
