Ultrasound-Guided Microwave Ablation for Autonomous Hyperfunctioning Thyroid Nodule in a Child

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Therapies

Background:

• Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) can cause hyperthyroidism.
• Treatment options for pediatric AFTN are limited, with surgery often being the primary choice.
• Radioiodine therapy is generally unsuitable for young patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for treating a pediatric patient with an AFTN.
• To assess MWA as an alternative to surgery or radioiodine therapy in children.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) was performed on a 12-year-old girl with symptomatic AFTN.
• The patient presented with symptoms including anxiety, tremors, palpitations, heat intolerance, and weight loss.
• MWA was chosen due to the patient's unwillingness to undergo surgery and the unsuitability of I-131 treatment.

Main Results:

• Post-procedure, the patient experienced significant symptom improvement and weight gain.
• Thyroid hormone levels normalized within one month following MWA.
• The thyroid nodule showed gradual shrinkage on ultrasound imaging during a 9-month follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) is a safe and effective treatment modality for pediatric autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.
• MWA provides a viable alternative for children who are not candidates for or unwilling to undergo traditional treatments like surgery.
• Further research is warranted to establish long-term outcomes and efficacy in a larger pediatric cohort.