J Korean Soc Radiol.  2024 May;85(3):618-630. 10.3348/jksr.2023.0056.

The Comparison of Efficacy and Safety between Radiofrequency Ablation Alone and Ethanol Ablation Followed by Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Mixed Cystic and Solid Thyroid Nodule

• Jo MG
• Lee MK
• Shin JH
• Seo MG
• Jung SL

• KMID: 2556243
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2023.0056

Abstract

Purpose
To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) followed by RFA in treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules.
Materials and Methods
We included 243 nodules from 243 patients who underwent RFA for mixed cystic and solid benign nodules. The nodules were divided into two groups (RFA alone and EA + RFA). We evaluated volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success rate, improvement in symptomatic and cosmetic issues, complications, and adverse effects.
Results
The RFA group included 204 patients, and the EA + RFA group included 39 patients. The long-term success rates in the RFA only and EA + RFA groups were 90.2% and 97.4%, respectively. The mean VRR at the last follow-up in the RFA and EA + RFA groups were 81.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Therapeutic results were similar in both groups at the last followup. Cosmetic and symptomatic problems markedly improved in both groups. No major complications were observed.
Conclusion
Both RFA alone and EA + RA are safe and effective methods for treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules, although EA + RFA is slightly more effective.

Keyword

Radiofrequency Ablation; Ethanol Ablation; Ultrasonography; Volume Reduction Ratio