High-intensity focused ablation (HIFU) of single benign thyroid nodule rarely alters underlying thyroid function

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an emerging ablation technique for benign thyroid nodules.
• The impact of HIFU on overall thyroid function is not well-understood.
• This study investigates changes in thyroid function post-HIFU treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate 6-month changes in serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) after HIFU treatment for benign thyroid nodules.
• To assess the incidence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism following HIFU ablation.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-three patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules underwent single HIFU ablation.
• Serum TSH and FT4 levels were measured at baseline, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment.
• Ablation volume ratio was calculated to correlate with thyroid function changes.

Main Results:

• A significant, transient drop in TSH and rise in FT4 was observed at 1 week post-HIFU.
• Thyroid hormone levels returned to baseline by 3 and 6 months.
• One patient (1.4%) developed hypothyroidism, with a high ablation volume ratio and prior lobectomy.

Conclusions:

• Single HIFU ablation for benign thyroid nodules rarely leads to clinically relevant hypothyroidism.
• Transient thyroid function fluctuations occur but normalize within 6 months.
• Further research is needed to understand the influence of parenchyma amount and ablation extent on thyroid function.