Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of a beta-emitting radionuclide (holmium-166-chitosan complex) as a sclerosing agent for the treatment of renal cysts.
Materials and methods: Using 10-30 mCi of holmium-166-chitosan complex, 20 renal cysts in 17 patients (14 male and 3 female patients, ranging in age from 47 to 82 years) were treated by percutaneous sclerotherapy under ultrasonographic guidance. The volume of the cysts before and after the sclerotherapy and the percentage change in volume were calculated in order to evaluate the response to therapy, which was classified as either complete regression (invisible), nearly complete regression (< 15 volume% of initial volume), partial regression (15-50 volume%) or no regression (> 50 volume%).
Results: The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 36 months (mean 28 months). Eighteen cysts (90%) regressed completely (n=11, 55%) or near-completely (n=7, 35%). Partial regression was obtained in one patient (5%) and there was no regression in one patient (5%). No significant complications were encountered.
Conclusion: The holmium-166-chitosan complex seems to be useful as a new painless sclerosing agent for the treatment of renal cysts with no significant complications.