Ultrasonography.  2022 Oct;41(4):661-669. 10.14366/usg.21231.

Long-term follow-up of the radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules: the value of additional treatment

• Kim HJ
• Baek JH
• Cho W
• Sim JS

• KMID: 2533844
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14366/usg.21231

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of additional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment for benign thyroid nodules.
Methods
Electronic medical records at a single institution from September 2008 to August 2016 were searched, and consecutive patients treated with RFA due to benign thyroid nodules with cosmetic or symptomatic problems were enrolled. All patients were followed up for at least 30 months. The nodules were divided into three groups: group 1 included nodules that met the criteria for additional treatment and underwent additional treatment, group 2 included nodules that met the criteria but did not undergo additional treatment, and group 3 included nodules that did not meet the criteria. The ablation results were compared among the three groups in terms of the initial ablation ratio (IAR) and volume reduction ratio (VRR).
Results
Ninety nodules from 88 patients were included in the study. At the last follow-up, group 1 showed a significantly smaller nodule volume and larger VRR (2.5 mL and 84.6%, respectively) than group 2 (8.1 mL and 39.8%, respectively, P<0.001), but did not present a significant difference from group 3 (0.9 mL, P=0.347, and 92.8%, P=0.238). The IAR was significantly higher in group 3 (94.5%) than in the other two groups (group 1, 81.1%; group 2, 82.8%; P<0.001).
Conclusion
Multiple treatment sessions achieve greater VRR. Therefore, additional treatment could be considered for patients who meet the corresponding criteria.

Keyword

Radiofrequency ablation; Thyroid nodule; Thyroid gland