Treatment of autonomous and toxic thyroid adenomas by percutaneous ultrasound-guided ethanol injection

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules: A Long-Term Prospective Study

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA in the AFTN treatment after 2 years of follow-up and to find the factors related to treatment responses through TSH level and VRR.

Materials and Methods

This long-term prospective study was conducted from September 2017 to April 2021 on 17 AFTNs treated with RFA. Clinical evaluations, thyroid function tests, thyroid scintigraphy, and ultrasonography examinations were performed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 24 months after ablation. The primary endpoint was the success rate of RFA in restoring the euthyroidism stage after 24 months of follow-ups; secondary outcomes were VRR and improvements of US parameters, clinical examinations, and complications. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to determine related factors with treatment response variables.

Results

At the 24 months after the procedure, symptom score, cosmetic score, vascularity grade, and nodule volume significantly decreased. The VRR reduced approximately 42.77%, 63.13%, 78.3%, and 95.65% after 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 24 months follow-up. All 17 patients were restored euthyroid state without taking ATDs. No major complications were collected. The last TSH level was significantly correlated with the age of patients (Spearman rho = −0.637, p = 0.008). The VRR was significantly correlated with age of patients (Spearman rho = 0.566, p = 0.018) and initial TSH (Spearman rho = 0.485, p = 0.048).

Conclusion

RFA was demonstrated as a safe and effective option for AFTN treatment in long-term follow-up. It can be used as an alternative treatment with encouraging results.

Image-guided chemical and thermal ablations for thyroid disease: Review of efficacy and complications

Image-guided ablation of thyroid disease is increasingly being commonly reported. Techniques including ethanol injection and thermal ablation using radio-frequency, laser, and microwave devices have been described. Minimally invasive approaches to the management of benign cystic, solid, and functional thyroid nodules as well as both primary and recurrent thyroid malignancy have been reported. The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence relating to image-guided ablation of thyroid disease with a focus on clinical outcomes and complication rates for patients treated with this minimally invasive approach.

Complications Following Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review

Objective:

This systematic review examined whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe treatment modality for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).

Data Sources:

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database were searched for articles that (a) targeted human beings and (b) had a study population with BTNs that were confirmed by fine-needle aspiration cytology and/or core needle biopsy.

Study Selection:

Thirty-two studies relating to 3409 patients were included in this systematic review.

Results:

Based on literatures, no deaths were associated with the procedure, serious complications were rare, and RFA appears to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment modality. However, a broad spectrum of complications offers insights into some undesirable complications, such as track needle seeding and Horner syndrome.

Conclusions:

RFA appears to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment modality for BTNs. More research is needed to characterize the complications of RFA for thyroid nodules.

Statement and Recommendations on Interventional Ultrasound as a Thyroid Diagnostic and Treatment Procedure

The recently published guidelines of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) on interventional ultrasound (INVUS)-guided procedures summarize the intended interdisciplinary and multiprofessional approach. Herewith, we report on recommendations for interventional procedures for diagnosis and treatment of the thyroid gland.

Image-guided thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules

Benign thyroid nodules are a common disease in the general population. Most often, they are completely asymptomatic and discovered occasionally during routine ultrasound examinations, and do not require any treatment. When thyroid nodules become symptomatic, surgical excision is still considered standard treatment. In the last few years, several experiences in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules through image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation have been reported with encouraging results, so that currently, these treatments are often proposed as first-choice options for patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. In this paper, we discuss the present literature on the topic, focusing on different techniques available for image-guided percutaneous ablation, particularly radiofrequency (RFA), laser (LA), microwave (MWA), and high-intensity-focus ultrasound (HIFU). Little evidence about the efficacy of MWA and HIFU is now available. According to the literature, good results have been obtained with RFA and LA. Regarding RFA, volume reduction after ablative treatment has been found to range from 47 to 84 % at 3-6 months, and from 62 to 93 % at 1 year; LA also seems to be effective in achieving shrinkage of thyroid nodules, with volume reduction from 37 to 81 % at 3-6 months, and from 13 to 82 % at 1-year follow-up. Moreover, applications of advanced image-guidance modality, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and virtual navigation with fusion imaging, are discussed.

Radiofrequency ablation for autonomously functioning thyroid nodules: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to validate the generalizability of the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for treating autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) in a large population multicenter study.

METHODS

This study included 44 patients from 5 institutions who refused or were not suitable for surgery or radioiodine therapy. Twenty-three patients were affected by a toxic nodule and 21 by a pretoxic nodule. RF ablation was performed using an 18-gauge, internally cooled electrode. Nodule volume, thyroid function, scintigraphy, symptom/cosmetic scores, and complications were evaluated before treatment and during each follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 19.9±12.6 months. The mean nodule volume was initially 18.5±30.1 mL and significantly decreased after treatment at 1 month (11.8±26.9 mL, p<0.001) and the last month (4.5±9.8 mL, p<0.001). Significant improvement of triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyrotropin was observed at the last follow-up. Regarding scintigraphy, 35 hot nodules became cold or were normal when scanned and 9 decreased uptake, although they remained hot nodules. The mean symptom and cosmetic scores were significantly reduced at the last follow-up. No major complications were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicenter study validated the efficacy and safety of RF ablation for treating AFTN; RF ablation can be considered an alternative to surgery or radioiodine therapy.

Radiofrequency ablation is a thyroid function-preserving treatment for patients with bilateral benign thyroid nodules

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for treatment of bilateral thyroid nodules as well as preservation of thyroid function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2007 and October 2012, 18 patients (16 women and 2 men; mean age, 49.9 y; median age, 44 y; age range, 27-81 y) with bilateral thyroid nodules treated by RF ablation were included in this study. The inclusion criteria included bilateral thyroid nodules, pressure symptoms or cosmetic problems, cytologic confirmation of benignancy without atypical cells, and patient refusal of surgery. We used an RF generator (Cool-tip RF system [Covidien, Boulder, Colorado] or SSP-2000, Taewoong Medical Co, Ltd [Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea]) and an 18-gauge internally cooled electrode with 1-cm active tips (Cool-tip [Covidien] or Well-Point RF electrode [Taewoong Medical Co, Ltd]). RF ablation was conducted using the moving shot technique and a trans-isthmic approach. RF ablation was performed in separate sessions for nodules in each lobe. Follow-up ultrasound examinations were performed at 1-6 months, 6-12 months, and during the last month of follow-up. The diameter and volume of the nodule and clinical problems including cosmetic and symptom scores were evaluated before and after the procedure.

RESULTS

The mean initial nodule size was 4.1 cm ± 1.9, although there was a significant decrease by the time of the last follow-up examination (range, 1-48 mo; mean, 18.1 mo ± 12.8; P < .001, 2.5 cm ± 1.4). The initial nodule volume was 24.4 mL ± 32.2 and was decreased at the last follow-up (6.3 mL ± 19.0, P < .001), with a mean volume reduction of 75.9% ± 19.0. The symptom (P < .001) and cosmetic (P < .001) scores were decreased. Serum hormone levels did not differ significantly before treatment and at the last follow-up (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

RF ablation improves cosmetic problems and symptoms and preserves thyroid function in patients with bilateral thyroid nodules.

Radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules does not affect thyroid function in patients with previous lobectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in patients with previous lobectomy poses a dilemma for physicians. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation may provide a treatment option that avoids surgery and preserves thyroid function. We evaluated whether RF ablation of benign thyroid nodules affects thyroid function in patients with previous lobectomy.

METHODS

A total of 11 patients with 14 thyroid nodules were enrolled using the following criteria: (i) having a predominantly solid nodule; (ii) reporting pressure symptoms or cosmetic problems; (iii) cytological confirmation of benignancy; (iv) no malignant features detected using ultrasound; (v) serum thyroid hormone and thyrotropin (TSH) levels within normal limits; and (vi) refusal of or ineligibility for surgery. Thyroid function, nodule volumes, and clinical concerns were evaluated before RF ablation and during follow-up after RF ablation.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration after RF ablation was 43.7±30.7 months (range=7-92 months). The mean nodule volume was 9.7 mL (0.9-57.6 mL) before the procedure, and was significantly decreased at the last follow-up (p<0.001) with a mean volume reduction rate of 87.2%. The mean symptom score (p=0.003) and cosmetic score (p=0.003) were both significantly decreased at the last follow-up. Levels of TSH, free thyroxine, and triiodothyronine were not significantly different prior to treatment and at the last follow-up (p>0.05), and remained normal in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with previous lobectomy, RF ablation should be considered as a first-line treatment for symptomatic benign thyroid nodules to preserve thyroid function.

Management of hyperfunctioning single thyroid nodules in the era of minimally invasive thyroid surgery

Both surgical excision and radioiodine ablation are effective modalities in the management of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. Minimally invasive thyroid surgery (MITS) using the lateral mini-incision approach has previously been demonstrated to be a safe and effective technique for thyroid lobectomy. As such MITS may offer advantages as a surgical approach to hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules without the need for a long cervical incision or extensive dissection associated with formal open hemithyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of MITS for the treatment of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. This is a retrospective case study. Data were obtained from the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit Database from 2002 to 2007. There were 86 cases of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules surgically removed during the study period, of which 10 (12%) were managed using the MITS approach. The ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified and preserved in all cases with no incidence of temporary or permanent nerve palsy. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was visualized and preserved in eight cases (80%). There were no cases of postoperative bleeding. There was one clinically significant follicular thyroid carcinoma in the series (10%). In nine of 10 cases (90%) normalization of thyroid function followed surgery. MITS is a safe and effective procedure, achieving the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure with minimal morbidity. As such it now presents an attractive alternative to radioiodine ablation for the management of small hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules.

Management of simple nodular goiter: current status and future perspectives

The simple nodular goiter, the etiology of which is multifactorial, encompasses the spectrum from the incidental asymptomatic small solitary nodule to the large intrathoracic goiter, causing pressure symptoms as well as cosmetic complaints. Its management is still the cause of considerable controversy. The mainstay in the diagnostic evaluation is related to functional and morphological characterization with serum TSH and (some kind of) imaging. Because malignancy is just as common in patients with a multinodular goiter as patients with a solitary nodule, we support the increasing use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (cytology). Most patients need no treatment after malignancy is ruled out. In case of cosmetic or pressure symptoms, the choice in multinodular goiter stands between surgery, which is still the first choice, and radioiodine if uptake is adequate. In addition to surgery, the solitary nodule, whether hot or cold, can be treated with percutaneous ethanol injection therapy. If hot, radioiodine is the therapy of choice. Randomized studies are scarce, and the side effects of nonsurgical therapy are coming into focus. Therefore, the use of the optimum option in the individual patient cannot at present be based on evidence. However, we are of the view that levothyroxine, although widely used, should no longer be recommended routinely for this condition. Within a few years, the introduction of recombinant human TSH and laser therapy may profoundly alter the nonsurgical treatment of simple nodular goiter.

Treatment of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules by percutaneous ethanol injection

BACKGROUND: Autonomous thyroid nodules can be treated by a variety of methods. We assessed the efficacy of percutaneous ethanol injection in treating autonomous thyroid nodules. METHODS: 35 patients diagnosed by technetium-99 scanning with hyperfunctioning nodules and suppressed sensitive TSH (sTSH) were given sterile ethanol injections under ultrasound guidance. 29 patients had clinical and biochemical hyperthyroidism. The other 6 had sub-clinical hyperthyroidism with suppressed sTSH levels (<0.24 &mgr;IU/ml) and normal thyroid hormone levels. Ethanol injections were performed once every 1-4 weeks. Ethanol injections were stopped when serum T3, T4 and sTSH levels had returned to normal, or else injections could no longer be performed because significant side effects. Patients were followed up at 3, 6 and, in 15 patients, 24 months after the last injection. RESULTS: Average pre-treatment nodule volume [18.2 PlusMinus; 12.7 ml] decreased to 5.7 PlusMinus; 4.6 ml at 6 months follow-up [P < 0.001]. All patients had normal thyroid hormone levels at 3 and 6 months follow-up [P < 0.001 relative to baseline]. sTSH levels increased from 0.09 PlusMinus; 0.02 &mgr;IU/ml to 0.65 PlusMinus; 0.8 &mgr;IU/ml at the end of therapy [P < 0.05]. Only 3 patients had persistent sTSH suppression at 6 months post-therapy. T4 and sTSH did not change significantly between 6 months and 2 years [P > 0.05]. Ethanol injections were well tolerated by the patients, with only 2 cases of transient dysphonia. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that ethanol injection is an alternative to surgery or radioactive iodine in the treatment of autonomous thyroid nodules.