Radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules: depicting early sign of regrowth by calculating vital volume.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated long-term follow-up results of radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules to analyse the role of marginal vital tissue on nodule regrowth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 54 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation between June 2008 and November 2013 with pressure symptoms, and/or cosmetic problems. All patients were followed up at least 12 months on three occasions. To evaluate an early sign of regrowth, three types of nodule volumes (total volume, ablated volume and vital volume) were measured and calculated using ultrasonography. Regrowth was defined as a more than a 50% increase in the total volume and vital volume increase was defined as a more than 50% increase compared to the previously reported smallest volume on ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 39.4 ± 21.7 (range, 13-87) months. Vital volume increases occurred in 31 nodules (57.4%) and there was regrowth in 13 nodules (24.1%). The mean timing of the vital volume increase was 27.5 ± 18.5 months, and for regrowth it was 39.9 ± 17.5 months. Vital volume increase tended to precede regrowth. CONCLUSION: Vital volume increase tended to occur earlier than regrowth and might be an early sign of regrowth in following-up after the radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules.

Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of cervical lymph nodes in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.

BACKGROUND: Our study investigates whether the histopathological features of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis (TL), specifically noncaseating microgranuloma and follicular hyperplasia, can be obtained by sonographic-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) of cervical lymph nodes. METHODS: Thirty-two patients seen from June 2014 to March 2015 were positive for toxoplasma immunoglobulin M antibody. Among those patients, 21 underwent CNB of a cervical lymph node and were enrolled in this study. The pathologic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine lymph nodes in 21 patients were sampled. Eighteen of the 21 (86%) patients had a microgranuloma without caseating necrosis or giant cells, and all 21 (100%) patients had follicular hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The histologic findings of TL were detected by sonographic-guided CNB, which can be used as part of the first line of investigation in patients with unexplained cervical adenopathy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:192-196, 2017.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Iatrogenic Thyroid Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Initial Experience.

Eight iatrogenic thyroid pseudoaneurysms (ITPAs) after thyroid biopsy are reported. The mean ITPA diameter was 7.2 mm (range 4 to 12 mm). Ultrasound (US)-guided compression was initially performed at the neck of the ITPA in all cases. Among them, 4 ITPAs persisted (50%) in which radiofrequency (RF) ablation was performed. Mean RF ablation time and power were 13.5 seconds (range 5 to 24 seconds) and 20 W (range 10 to 50 W), respectively. All 4 cases were treated with RF ablation without any complications.

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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a non-surgical treatment for symptomatic, benign thyroid nodules. This treatment works by heating and destroying the nodule tissue, which results in reduction of its size and alleviation of the symptoms involved. RFA is indicated for nodules which are confirmed to be benign on two or more cytological or histological examinations, and which result in clinical symptoms requiring medical treatment. It is associated with good short-term outcomes on one-year follow-up; however, 20%-30% of the nodules regrow after more than three years. Therefore, on the basis of long-term follow-up, management of regrowth is key to patient care following RFA. Regrowth is more likely to occur in nodules that are large in size prior to RFA, and in those with high or increased vascularity. Recently, new techniques such as hydrodissection, artery-first ablation, and venous ablation have been introduced to inhibit regrowth. In addition, appropriate criteria for additional RFA should be applied to manage regrowth and prolong its therapeutic effects. RFA is essentially an alternative to surgery; therefore, the ultimate goal of this procedure is to avoid surgery permanently, rather than to achieve temporary effects.

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

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.

Long-Term Outcomes of Thermal Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules: The Issue of Regrowth.

Thermal ablation (TA) for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) is widely accepted as an effective and safe alternative to surgery. However, studies on the long-term outcomes of TA have reported problems with nodule regrowth and symptom recurrence, which have raised the need for adequate control of regrowth. Therefore, a more complete TA with a longer-lasting treatment effect may be required. In this study, we review and discuss long-term outcomes and regrowth of BTNs following TA and evaluate factors affecting the long-term outcomes. We also discuss the management of regrowth based on long-term outcomes.

Ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for cystic thyroid nodules: effectiveness of small amounts of ethanol in a single session.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ethanol ablation (EA) in the treatment of cystic thyroid nodules using low-dose ethanol regardless of the initial volume of the nodule or properties of the aspirate. METHODS: Sixty-one nodules in 60 patients were treated with EA from October 2013 to January 2020. In each patient, EA was performed only once, using less than 5 mL of ethanol (99.5%) instilled and removed completely after a few minutes of retention. Nodule volume, the symptom score, the cosmetic score, and complications were evaluated before and after treatment. The therapeutic success rate (TSR) and volume reduction rate (VRR) according to nodule volume and properties of the aspirate were evaluated. Therapeutic success was defined as the absence of any residual fluid or sufficient volume reduction (≥50%) with improvement of nodule-related symptoms. RESULTS: The 61 nodules comprised 38 pure cysts and 23 predominantly cystic nodules. The initial nodule volume was 21.9±15.2 mL (range, 4.4 to 77.2 mL). The TSR was 88.5% (100% in pure cysts and 69.6% in predominantly cystic nodules, P<0.001). The TSR of pure cysts was 100% regardless of nodule volume and properties of the aspirate. In predominantly cystic nodules, the TSR and VRR gradually decreased as volume increased. One patient experienced arrhythmia during the procedure, but completely recovered without sequelae. CONCLUSION: Single-session EA using low-dose ethanol might be effective for the treatment of symptomatic cystic thyroid nodules regardless of the initial cyst volume and properties of the aspirate, especially in pure cysts.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) after > 10 years of follow-up. Materials and Methods: This study included five patients who underwent RFA to treat PTMCs (five lesions, mean diameter 0.5 cm, range 0.4-0.7 cm) between November 2006 and December 2009. The inclusion criteria were histopathologically confirmed PTMCs, a single PTMC lesion without extrathyroidal extension, no metastasis, and ineligibility or refusal to undergo surgery. RFA was performed by a single radiologist using a radiofrequency generator and an internally cooled electrode. We retrospectively analyzed the procedure-induced complications, serial changes in ablated tumors, recurrence, and local as well as lymph node metastasis based on data obtained from medical records and radiological images. Results: The mean follow-up period was 130.6 months (range 121-159 months). Three patients underwent a single RFA session, and two patients underwent two RFA sessions. We observed no procedure-induced complications. Three tumors completely disappeared after ablation, and ablation of the other two tumors resulted in the formation of a small scar that showed long-term stability (mean duration 16.8 months, range 12-27 months). At the last follow-up, no patient showed recurrence or lymph node metastasis, and serum thyroglobulin levels were within normal limits in all patients. Conclusion: RFA may be effective and safe to treat low-risk PTMC in patients who refuse or are ineligible for surgery.

2021 Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System and Imaging-Based Management of Thyroid Nodules: Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology Consensus Statement and Recommendations.

Incidental thyroid nodules are commonly detected on ultrasonography (US). This has contributed to the rapidly rising incidence of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma over the last 20 years. The appropriate diagnosis and management of these patients is based on the risk factors related to the patients as well as the thyroid nodules. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) published consensus recommendations for US-based management of thyroid nodules in 2011 and revised them in 2016. These guidelines have been used as the standard guidelines in Korea. However, recent advances in the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules have necessitated the revision of the original recommendations. The task force of the KSThR has revised the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System and recommendations for US lexicon, biopsy criteria, US criteria of extrathyroidal extension, optimal thyroid computed tomography protocol, and US follow-up of thyroid nodules before and after biopsy. The biopsy criteria were revised to reduce unnecessary biopsies for benign nodules while maintaining an appropriate sensitivity for the detection of malignant tumors in small (1-2 cm) thyroid nodules. The goal of these recommendations is to provide the optimal scientific evidence and expert opinion consensus regarding US-based diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Thermal Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules as an Alternative to Surgery: The Importance of Controlling Regrowth.

Thermal ablation (TA) procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation, are used for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Short-term studies (<2 years) have demonstrated that TA is an effective and safe procedure to improve cosmetic or symptomatic problems. However, studies including a longer follow-up period show that treated thyroid nodules can increase in size after 2 to 3 years. Several studies suggest that this results from regrowth at the undertreated nodule margins. Here, we review current data on regrowth after TA and describe factors related to it and possible approaches to prevent it.

Ethanol Ablation of the Thyroid Nodules: 2018 Consensus Statement by the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology.

Minimally invasive treatment of symptomatic thyroid nodules is now commonplace. Ethanol ablation (EA) of thyroid cystic nodules has been performed since the 1990s, but there is no global consensus or guideline. Although various limitations of EA have been described, recommendations for practical application are necessary. Therefore, the Task Force Committee of the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology initiated the present consensus statement and here we provide recommendations for the role of EA in the management of symptomatic thyroid nodules. These recommendations are based on evidence to date from the literature and expert opinion.

Initial Ablation Ratio: Quantitative Value Predicting the Therapeutic Success of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to determine a quantitative index, the initial ablation ratio (IAR), representing the amount of ablation, to predict therapeutic success and to evaluate the correlation between the IAR and volume reduction ratio (VRR). METHODS: Among the patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules at the Withsim Clinic between April 2008 and December 2016, 130 patients with 134 nodules were included. The relationship between the IAR and VRR was analyzed at six months, 12 months, and the final follow-up. The relationship between the IAR and final VRR was also analyzed according to the initial nodule volumes. RESULTS: The mean VRR was 78.7 ± 17.5% (range 23.3-100%) at a mean follow-up period of 22.6 ± 20.1 months (range 3-93 months). The mean IAR was 90.0 ± 11.6% (range 39.1-100%). The correlation coefficient between the IAR and final VRR was 0.65, which indicates a positive correlation (p < 0.001). When the IAR exceeded 70%, it tended to achieve 50% VRR in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: The IAR is a quantitative indicator of how well the RFA procedures are performed, and it is highly correlated with the VRR. If the IAR is >70%, VRR of >50% may be expected after RFA.

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of thyroid radiofrequency (RF) ablation for benign thyroid nodules by trained radiologists according to a unified protocol in a multi-center study. Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2011, 345 nodules from 345 patients (M:F = 43:302; mean age ± SD = 46.0 ± 12.7 years, range = 15-79) who met eligibility criteria were enrolled from five institutions. At pre-ablation, the mean volume was 14.2 ± 13.2 mL (1.1-80.8 mL). For 12 months or longer after treatment, 276 lesions, consisting of 248 solid and 28 predominantly cystic nodules, were followed. All operators performed RF ablation with a cool-tip RF system and two standard techniques (a transisthmic approach and the moving-shot technique). Volume reduction at 12 months after RF ablation (the primary outcome), therapeutic success, improvement of symptoms as well as of cosmetic problems, and complications were evaluated. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to identify factors that were independently predictive of volume reduction. Results: The mean volume reduction at 12 months was 80.3% (n = 276) and at the 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-month follow-ups 84.3% (n = 198), 89.2% (n = 128), 91.9% (n = 57), and 95.3% (n = 6), respectively. Our therapeutic success was 97.8%. Both mean symptom and cosmetic scores showed significant improvements (p < 0.001). The rate of major complications was 1.0% (3/276). Solidity and applied energy were independent factors that predicted volume reduction. Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation performed by trained radiologists from multiple institutions using a unified protocol and similar devices was effective and safe for treating benign thyroid nodules.

2017 Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Guideline: Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology.

Thermal ablation using radiofrequency is a new, minimally invasive modality employed as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers. The Task Force Committee of the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) developed recommendations for the optimal use of radiofrequency ablation for thyroid tumors in 2012. As new meaningful evidences have accumulated, KSThR decided to revise the guidelines. The revised guideline is based on a comprehensive analysis of the current literature and expert consensus.

Core Needle Biopsy of the Thyroid: 2016 Consensus Statement and Recommendations from Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology.

Core needle biopsy (CNB) has been suggested as a complementary diagnostic method to fine-needle aspiration in patients with thyroid nodules. Many recent CNB studies have suggested a more advanced role for CNB, but there are still no guidelines on its use. Therefore, the Task Force Committee of the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology has developed the present consensus statement and recommendations for the role of CNB in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. These recommendations are based on evidence from the current literature and expert consensus.