Analysis of therapeutic effect of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for thyroid microcarcinoma / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of thyroid microcarcinoma.Methods Totally 18 patients with 22 thyroid nodules received RFA were enrolled.Routine ultrasound,CEUS and thyroid function test were performed in all patients to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy immediately after RFA,1 month,3 months,6 months,12 months and 24 months after RFA.Results The nodular complete ablation rate was 100％,and no recurrent laryngeal nerve injury,bleeding nor other serious complications occurred.Before RFA,the mean volume of thyroid microcarcinoma was (0.08 ± 0.07)ml.The average follow-up period after radiofrequency ablation was (14.21 ±8.72) months,and the mean volume of microcarcinoma at the last follow-up was (0.004±0.020)ml.Compared with that immediately after ablation,the mean volume of lesions reduced to (1.52±0.64)ml.During the follow-up period,a total of 20 nodules almost disappeared,and no suspicious cervical metastatic lymph nodes were found.Before and after RFA,all patients had normal reference range of thyroid function.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided RFA is a safe method for thyroid microcarcinoma with good curative effect,contributing to effectively preserve thyroid function.