Efficacy in size and symptom reduction of radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) plays an increasing role in the management of thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA of benign thyroid nodules in terms of volume reduction and symptom relief. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients with a solitary thyroid nodule who received RFA at our centre from April 2016 to January 2020. Ultrasound-guided RFA was performed by the moving-shot technique. Patients were followed up with ultrasound examinations and thyroid function tests. We evaluated changes in volume and in compressive (0-10 scale) and cosmetic (4-point scale) symptoms to analyse efficacy and complications, and in thyroid function to evaluate safety. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 11.1±0.7 months. There was a statistically significant reduction in size of the nodules at Month 1, 3, 6 and 12 after RFA (expressed as volume reduction rate: 34%±2.1, 50.8%±2.2, 60.3%±2.6, 58.87%±3.5, p<0.0001). We found statistically significant improvement in compressive symptoms (from 7.1±0.26 to 1.76±0.33, p<0.0001) and in cosmetic alteration (from 3.66±0.09 to 2.14±0.14, p<0.0001). No major complications were observed. DISCUSSION: RFA achieved significant volume reduction and improved compressive symptoms as well as cosmetic complaints, with minimum side effects. Our results are in line with recent available evidence and further support the use of RFA as a safe and effective therapeutic option in the management of benign thyroid nodules.

Beriliosis: una granulomatosis para no olvidar la importancia de la historia laboral / Berylliosis: A Granulomatosis to Remind Us of the Importance of Occupational History

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Normativa para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la silicosis / Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Silicosis

La silicosis es una de las enfermedades respiratorias de origen ocupacional más frecuentes en nuestro entorno. Está ocasionada por inhalación de sílice cristalina que desencadena una respuesta fibrótica en el parénquima pulmonar. Se presenta como una enfermedad intersticial difusa y su expresión clínica es variable, existiendo desde formas asintomáticas hasta la insuficiencia respiratoria crónica. El diagnóstico está basado en la historia clínica y los hallazgos radiológicos; no tiene un tratamiento efectivo, y cuando se diagnostica precisa que el paciente sea apartado de toda fuente de exposición laboral. Esta normativa repasa aspectos clínicos, radiológicos y funcionales, sugiriendo también estrategias de diagnóstico y seguimiento para la clasificación de los pacientes, y recomendaciones para las implicaciones laborales de esta enfermedad

Silicosis is one of the occupational respiratory diseases most commonly encountered in our setting. It is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica that triggers a fibrotic response in the lung parenchyma. It presents as diffuse interstitial disease and clinical expression ranges from asymptomatic forms to chronic respiratory failure. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and radiological findings. There is no effective treatment, and once diagnosed, the patient must avoid all sources of occupational exposure. In these guidelines, the clinical, radiological and functional aspects of silicosis are reviewed, and strategies for diagnosis, monitoring and classification of patients are proposed, along with recommendations regarding the occupational implications of this disease

Guidelines for the diagnosis and monitoring of silicosis.

Silicosis is one of the occupational respiratory diseases most commonly encountered in our setting. It is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica that triggers a fibrotic response in the lung parenchyma. It presents as diffuse interstitial disease and clinical expression ranges from asymptomatic forms to chronic respiratory failure. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and radiological findings. There is no effective treatment, and once diagnosed, the patient must avoid all sources of occupational exposure. In these guidelines, the clinical, radiological and functional aspects of silicosis are reviewed, and strategies for diagnosis, monitoring and classification of patients are proposed, along with recommendations regarding the occupational implications of this disease.