Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Unilateral Isolated Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma: A Two-centre
Lingpeng Tang1, Kai Li2, Jianchuan Yang1
1Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China (L.T., J.Y., X.L., T.H., S.W.); Department of Ultrasonography, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China (L.T., J.Y., X.L., T.H., S.W.).
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency (US-guided RFA) as a potential treatment for unilateral isolated Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data from patients with APA who underwent US-guided RFA between January 2020 and June 2024 at the Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively analysed. Technical success (complete tumor ablation and normalization of the serum aldosterone-renin ratio [ARR] at 3-6 months post-RFA), blood pressure control, complication rates, and RFA-related parameters were assessed. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare tumor volume changes before ablation and at each follow-up.
Results:
A total of 36 patients (Median age, 49.5±5.3 years; 13 men, 23 women) were evaluated. All patients achieved successful single-session ablation, with complete biochemical remission of primary aldosteronism (36/36). The hypertension control rate was 66.7% (24/36). The complication rate was 13.89% (five patients), primarily fever caused by postoperative infection. A transient significant increase in blood pressure occurred in 10 patients (27.8%). No short-term recurrence was observed.
Conclusion:
This two-centre study provides evidence that US-guided RFA is an effective and safe treatment option in selected patients with unilateral isolated APA.
