title: Radiofrequency ablation for autonomously functioning thyroid nodules: a multicenter study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study is to validate the generalizability of the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for treating autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) in a large population multicenter study.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included 44 patients from 5 institutions who refused or were not suitable for surgery or radioiodine therapy. Twenty-three patients were affected by a toxic nodule and 21 by a pretoxic nodule. RF ablation was performed using an 18-gauge, internally cooled electrode. Nodule volume, thyroid function, scintigraphy, symptom/cosmetic scores, and complications were evaluated before treatment and during each follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean follow-up period was 19.9±12.6 months. The mean nodule volume was initially 18.5±30.1 mL and significantly decreased after treatment at 1 month (11.8±26.9 mL, p<0.001) and the last month (4.5±9.8 mL, p<0.001). Significant improvement of triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyrotropin was observed at the last follow-up. Regarding scintigraphy, 35 hot nodules became cold or were normal when scanned and 9 decreased uptake, although they remained hot nodules. The mean symptom and cosmetic scores were significantly reduced at the last follow-up. No major complications were encountered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This multicenter study validated the efficacy and safety of RF ablation for treating AFTN; RF ablation can be considered an alternative to surgery or radioiodine therapy.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, Thyroid Center, Daerim St. Mary's Hospital , Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Yong
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.forename: Jung Hwan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Baek
authors.forename: So Lyung
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Ji-hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kyu Sun
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ducky
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Won Bae
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Dong Gyu
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Na
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014284:Triiodothyronine / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014284:Triiodothyronine; D013972:Thyrotropin; D013974:Thyroxine