Search Results
You are looking at 1 - 1 of 1 items for :
- Author: Chiara Carzaniga x
- Goiter and thyroid nodules x
Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Search for other papers by Laura Fugazzola in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Maurilio Deandrea in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Stefano Borgato in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Marco Dell’Acqua in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Francesca Retta in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Alberto Mormile in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Chiara Carzaniga in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Giacomo Gazzano in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Gabriele Pogliaghi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Marina Muzza in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Search for other papers by Luca Persani in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Background
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective in the treatment of thyroid nodules, leading to a 50–90% reduction with respect to baseline. Current guidelines indicate the need for a benign cytology prior to RFA, though, on the other side, this procedure is also successfully used for the treatment of papillary microcarcinomas. No specific indications are available for nodules with an indeterminate cytology (Bethesda III/IV).
Aim
To evaluate the efficacy of RFA in Bethesda III nodules without genetic alterations as verified by means of a custom panel.
Methods
We have treated 33 patients (mean delivered energy 1069 ± 1201 J/mL of basal volume) with Bethesda III cytology, EU-TIRADS 3-4, and negative genetic panel. The mean basal nodular volume was 17.3 ± 10.7 mL.
Results
Considering the whole series, the mean volume reduction rate (VRR) was 36.8 ± 16.5% at 1 month, 59.9 ± 15.5% at 6 months, and 62 ± 15.7% at 1-year follow-up. The sub-analysis done in patients with 1 and 2 years follow-up data available (n = 20 and n = 5, respectively) confirmed a progressive nodular volume decrease. At all-time points, the rate of reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.0001), without significant correlation between the VRR and the basal volume. Neither cytological changes nor complications were observed after the procedure.
Conclusion
RFA is effective in Bethesda III, oncogene-negative nodules, with reduction rates similar to those obtained in confirmed benign lesions. This procedure represents a good alternative to surgery or active surveillance in this particular class of nodules, regardless of their initial volume. A longer follow-up will allow to evaluate further reduction or possible regrowth.