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Radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules: 4-year follow-up results for 111 patients

European Radiology volume 23, pages 1044–1049 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for benign non-functioning thyroid nodules over a 4-year follow-up.

Methods

We evaluated 126 benign non-functioning thyroid nodules of 111 patients treated with RF ablation and followed-up more than 3 years. RF ablation was performed using the Cool-Tip RF system and an internally cooled electrode. Nodule volume and cosmetic and symptom scores were evaluated before treatment and during follow-up. Complications and factors related to efficacy were evaluated.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 49.4 ± 13.6 months. Thyroid nodule volume decreased significantly, from 9.8 ± 8.5 ml before ablation to 0.9 ± 3.3 ml (P < 0.001) at final evaluation: a mean volume reduction of 93.4 ± 11.7 %. The mean cosmetic (P < 0.001) and symptom scores (P < 0.001) improved significantly. Factors related to efficacy were initial solidity and volume. The overall recurrence rate was 5.6 % (7/126). The overall complication rate was 3.6 % (4/111).

Conclusions

RF ablation was effective in shrinking benign thyroid nodules and in controlling nodule-related problems over a 4-year follow-up. There were no life-threatening complications or sequelae. Therefore, RF ablation can be used as a non-surgical treatment for patients with benign non-functioning thyroid nodules.

Key Points

• Radiofrequency (RF) ablation provides a non-surgical option for benign non-functioning thyroid nodules

• RF ablation reduced non-functioning thyroid nodular volume by 93.5 % after 49 months

• Initial solidity and volume influenced the efficacy of RF ablation

• Larger thyroid nodules required more treatment sessions to achieve appropriate volume reduction

• Complete treatment of the periphery of the nodule is important in preventing marginal regrowth

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Fig. 1

Abbreviations

US:

Ultrasonography

EA:

Ethanol ablation

LA:

Laser ablation

RF:

Radiofrequency

FNAB:

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy

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Acknowledgments

We declare that we have no proprietary, commercial or financial interests that could be construed to have inappropriately influenced this study. Of the 111 patients, 91 participated in previously published study by Jeong et al. [14], 7 in the study by Baek et al. [17], and 13 in the study by Sung et al. [4].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Thyroid Center, Daerim St. Mary’s Hospital, 978-13, Daerim-dong, Youngdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 150-822, Korea

    Jin Young Sung & Jung Hwan Baek

  2. Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 138-736, Korea

    Hyun Kyung Lim, Jeong Hyun Lee, Eun Ju Ha & Jung Hwan Baek

  3. Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, 224-1, Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 156-755, Korea

    Jae Kyun Kim

Authors
  1. Hyun Kyung Lim
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  2. Jeong Hyun Lee
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  3. Eun Ju Ha
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  4. Jin Young Sung
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  5. Jae Kyun Kim
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  6. Jung Hwan Baek
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Correspondence to Jung Hwan Baek.

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Lim, H.K., Lee, J.H., Ha, E.J. et al. Radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules: 4-year follow-up results for 111 patients. Eur Radiol 23, 1044–1049 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2671-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2671-3

Keywords

  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Thyroid nodules
  • Ultrasound
  • Laser ablation
  • Ethanol ablation