Ultrasonography.  2018 Apr;37(2):89-97. 10.14366/usg.17057.

The efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of benign thyroid nodules

• Lang BH
• Wu AL

• KMID: 2409559
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14366/usg.17057

Abstract

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising form of thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules, but evidence supporting its use is scarce. The present review evaluated the efficacy and safety of single-session HIFU treatment of benign thyroid nodules. As reported in the literature, the extent of nodule shrinkage following treatment ranged from 48.8% to 68.8%. Like other forms of ablation, the shrinkage rate was greatest in the first 3-6 months, and the best responders were patients with small (≤10 mL) nodules. Complications were uncommon, but temporary vocal cord palsy occurred in 3%-4% of patients, and was related to the distance between the HIFU beam and the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Despite being safe and efficacious, a larger-scale prospective trial is required.

Keyword

Ultrasonography, interventional; High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation; Hyperthermia, induced; Goiter, nodular; Ablation techniques

MeSH Terms

Ablation Techniques
Goiter, Nodular
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation*
Humans
Hyperthermia, Induced
Prospective Studies
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Nodule*
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography, Interventional
Vocal Cord Paralysis