Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy and side effects of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for treating autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN). The study included the data of single centre.

Material and methods: The analysis included the results of the treatment of 127 patients with autonomously functioning benign nodules, received in the Samara Oncology Center in 2012–2015 years. All patients had high level of thyroid hormones and low level of thyreotropin. In all of them scintigraphy determined hot nodules. All the patients underwent fine needle biopsy twice. During the follow-up nodule volume and thyroid function were evaluated.

Results: The mean follow-up was 47.2±13.5 months. 61 (48.0%) patients underwent 1 session of RFA, 54 (42.5%) patients – 2 sessions due to the big initial nodule size (more than 3 cm). In 12 (9.4%) patients after ablation and normalization of hormones levels during 3–6 months the minor nodule became active. That patients underwent ablation of this nodule too. Levels of triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyrotropin reached normal in 2–3 weeks after RFA. During 5-years of follow-up hormone status remained normal. No serious complications such as thyroiditis, voice change, and hematomas were observed. RFA was an effective method for treating hot nodules.

Conclusion: RFA was effective, safe and repeatable procedure for treating autonomously functioning benign thyroid nodules.