Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules

Iram Hussain, Fizza Zulfiqar, Xilong Li, Shahzad Ahmad, Jules Aljammal
Journal of the Endocrine Society, Volume 5, Issue 8, August 2021, bvab110
https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvab110

Abstract

Context

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has only recently gained popularity in the United States for treatment of thyroid nodules (TNs), with a limited number of patients having undergone the procedure in this country.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA of TNs performed in an outpatient setting in the United States.

Methods

This is a retrospective, single-center study of 53 patients who underwent RFA of 58 TNs between November 2018 and January 2021. The reduction in volume of nodule, cosmetic and symptomatic improvement, effect on thyroid function, and complications following RFA were assessed.

Results

Eleven out of 53 patients were excluded from the analysis. A total of 47 benign TNs (23 nonfunctioning thyroid nodules [NFTNs] and 24 autonomously functioning thyroid nodules [AFTNs]), were assessed after RFA. The median reduction in volume was 70.8% after a median follow-up period of 109 days, with symptomatic and cosmetic improvement (P < 0.0001). Compared with larger nodules, smaller nodules had greater volume reduction (P = 0.0266). RFA improved thyrotropin (TSH) in AFTNs (P value = 0.0015) and did not affect TSH in NFTNs (P value = 0.23). There were no major complications; however, 1 patient had self-limited local bleeding and another had transient voice change that recovered in 6 months.

Conclusion

RFA is a safe and efficacious treatment for symptomatic NFTNs and AFTNs in our population and is especially effective for smaller nodules. RFA should be considered an alternative for TNs in patients who cannot or do not want to undergo surgery.

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