Thyroid function alterations after radiofrequency ablation in benign thyroid nodule management

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Thyroidology

Background:

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).
• Post-procedural thyroid function changes are a known concern following RFA.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between thyroid function changes and nodule volume reduction ratio (VRR) after RFA.
• To determine if mid-term thyroid function fluctuations predict long-term hypothyroidism post-RFA.
• To analyze the correlation between thyroid hormone levels and nodule shrinkage.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study involving 50 euthyroid patients (72 BTNs) undergoing RFA.
• Comprehensive assessments including clinical exams, ultrasound, and blood tests at baseline and follow-up intervals (6 months, 12 months, annually).
• Analysis of thyroid function parameters (T3, TSH) and nodule VRR over a mean follow-up of 22.3 months.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in triiodothyronine (T3) and elevations in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were observed at medium-term and long-term follow-ups.
• A negative correlation was found between medium-term T3 levels and long-term VRR (r = -0.475, p = 0.001).
• Lower mid-term T3 levels were associated with a significantly higher long-term VRR compared to higher T3 levels (0.89 vs 0.77, p = 0.030).

Conclusions:

• Radiofrequency ablation for BTNs leads to notable thyroid function alterations, though not typically hypothyroidism.
• Lower mid-term T3 levels may serve as an early indicator of favorable nodule volume reduction.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term implications of these thyroid function changes.