Objective:

To evaluate the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Local treatment failure occurred in about 14% of patients, with most related to persistent indeterminate cytology.
• Estimated probability of remaining free of local treatment failure at 3 years was 85%.
• Complete disappearance of the nodule occurred in 8% of patients.
• Nodule volume reduction reached 56% at 3 months, 75% at 1 year, and 91% at 3 years.
• Baseline nodule size was the strongest predictor of outcomes.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• Study was retrospective and conducted at a single center.
• Cohort was highly selected, including only patients who met functional imaging criteria.
• No direct comparison with surgery or active surveillance.

Conclusion:

RFA demonstrated acceptable outcomes with volume reduction and symptom relief, particularly in patients with nodules less than 3 cm, as stated by the study authors.

Sources:

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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