Radiofrequency Ablation for Iatrogenic Thyroid Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Initial Experience.

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Endocrinology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Iatrogenic thyroid pseudoaneurysms (ITPAs) are rare but potential complications following thyroid biopsy procedures.
• Prompt and effective management is crucial to prevent complications such as hemorrhage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided compression and radiofrequency (RF) ablation for treating iatrogenic thyroid pseudoaneurysms.
• To report outcomes of minimally invasive interventions for post-biopsy vascular complications in the thyroid.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of eight patients with iatrogenic thyroid pseudoaneurysms (ITPAs) following thyroid biopsy.
• Initial treatment involved US-guided compression at the pseudoaneurysm neck.
• Persistent ITPAs were subsequently treated with US-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation.

Main Results:

• Eight ITPAs were identified, with a mean diameter of 7.2 mm.
• Initial US-guided compression was attempted in all cases, with 50% (4/8) requiring further intervention.
• Radiofrequency ablation was performed on the persistent 4 ITPAs, with a mean ablation time of 13.5 seconds and mean power of 20 W.
• All RF ablation treatments were successful without any reported complications.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided compression and radiofrequency ablation are effective and safe treatment modalities for iatrogenic thyroid pseudoaneurysms.
• RF ablation provides a minimally invasive option for managing persistent pseudoaneurysms after initial compression failure.