Jung Hwan Baek, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Yoon Suk Kim, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hyun Jo Jeong, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Min Sook Kwak, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ducky Lee, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined therapy with EA and subsequent RFAT in the treatment of PCTN

Between January 2005 and February 2006, 137 patients received EA for a single benign compressive PCTN that was larger than 2 cm in the largest diameter and had a cystic portion more than 50%. Of these, 27 patients underwent a subsequent RFAT (22 women, 5men; age range, 21–60 years; mean, 38 years). Indications for subsequent RFAT were as follows: (1) the solid portion having vascularity seen at 1-2 month follow-up (2) the residual volume of the nodule was larger than 1 mL. RFAT was performed using a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode under local anesthesia. The ablation time and power ranged 5–20minutes (mean, 12minutes) and 20–50 watts, respectively. All patients received follow-up US at least 6 months after RFAT (6–21 months; mean, 10.54 ± [standard deviation] 4.04 months). Efficacy was assessed by measuring the volume reduction rate and safety, by observation of complications.

The largest diameter of index nodules was 2.2–7.5cm (mean, 3.7cm) and the volume was 2.41–64.84mL (mean, 13.96mL) before EA. Before RFAT, the largest diameter of nodules was 1.4–5.2cm (mean, 2.53cm) and the volume was 1.04–20.95mL (mean, 4.13mL). After subsequent RFAT, the largest diameter of nodules was 0.6–3.5cm (mean, 1.32 ± 0.71cm) and the volume was 0.3–5.5mL (mean, 0.71 ± 1.14mL); the volume reduction rate was 85.35–99.85% (mean, 94.89 ± 4.23%) at the last follow-up. No major complications (i.e. voice change) were encountered.

Combined therapy seems to be an effective and safe method for the treatment of PCTN.

RFAT is effective in treatment of remained solid portion of predominantly cystic thyroid nodule after ethanol ablation.

Baek, J, Kim, Y, Jeong, H, Kwak, M, Lee, D, Combined Therapy for a Predominantly Cystic Thyroid Nodule (PCTN): Ethanol Ablation (EA) Followed by Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy (RFAT).  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5006528.html