Ultrasound-Guided Cryoablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: 10-Patient Pilot Study with 12-Month Follow-up

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and 12-month effectiveness of outpatient ultrasound (US)-guided cryoablation for benign thyroid nodules in 10 patients. Technical success was achieved in all cases without moderate or severe adverse events. Mean nodule volume decreased significantly from 26.1 mL (SD ± 13.9) at baseline to 16.4 mL (SD ± 10.1), 9.8 mL (SD ± 5.7), 8.8 mL (SD ± 5.2), and 10.7 mL (SD ± 7.1) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively (P ≤ .004 at all time points). Mean volume reduction ratios were 42.3% (SD ± 23.9%), 65.4% (SD ± 14.7%), 68.4% (SD ± 11.9%), and 63.7% (SD ± 16.2%), at corresponding intervals. Technical effectiveness, defined as ≥50% volume reduction was achieved in 100% at 6 months and 90% at 12 months. Progressive shrinkage or stabilization occurred in 70% of patients, while partial regrowth and complete regrowth were observed in 20% and 10%, respectively. Calcifications increased from 40% to 60% during follow-up. US-guided cryoablation of benign thyroid nodules appeared feasible and was not associated with moderate or severe adverse events in this preliminary cohort.