title: 12-month efficacy of a single radiofrequency ablation on autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Radiofrequency ablation has been advocated as an alternative to radioiodine and/or surgery for the treatment of autonomously functioning benign thyroid nodules. However, only a few studies have measured radiofrequency ablation efficacy on autonomously functioning benign thyroid nodules. The aim of this work was to evaluate the 12-month efficacy of a single session of radiofrequency ablation (performed with the moving shot technique) on solitary autonomously functioning benign thyroid nodules.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with a single, benign autonomously functioning benign thyroid nodules, who were either unwilling or ineligible to undergo surgery and radioiodine, were treated with radiofrequency ablation between April 2012 and May 2015. All the patients underwent a single radiofrequency ablation, performed with the 18-gauge needle and the moving shot technique. Clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound evaluations were scheduled at baseline, and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A single radiofrequency ablation reduced thyroid nodule volume by 51, 63, 69, and 75 % after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. This was associated with a significant improvement of local cervical discomfort and cosmetic score. As for thyroid function, 33 % of the patients went into remission after 3 months, 43 % after 6 months, and 50 % after 12 months from the procedure. This study demonstrates that a single radiofrequency ablation allowed us to withdraw anti-thyroid medication in 50 % of the patients, who remained euthyroid afterwards.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that a single radiofrequency ablation was effective in 50 % of patients with autonomously functioning benign thyroid nodules. Patients responded gradually to the treatment. It is possible that longer follow-up studies might show greater response rates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy. stella.bernardi@aots.sanita.fvg.it.|Endocrinologia (Medicina Clinica), Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy. stella.bernardi@aots.sanita.fvg.it.
authors.forename: Stella
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7429-3075
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bernardi
authors.affiliation: Radiologia, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Maggiore Hospital, Piazza dell'Ospitale, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Fulvio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stacul
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Michelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabiola
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giudici
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zuolo
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.|Chirurgia Generale, Azienda Sanitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicolò
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: de Manzini
authors.affiliation: Chirurgia Generale, Azienda Sanitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dobrinja
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.|Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, Azienda Sanitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zanconati
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.|Endocrinologia (Medicina Clinica), Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fabris
mesh_terms: D055011:Ablation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D060787:Neoplasm Grading; D059351:Organ Sparing Treatments / Q000009:adverse effects; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D012074:Remission Induction; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D047368:Tumor Burden / Q000528:radiation effects; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: AFTN; Hyperthyroidism; Radiofrequency ablation; Thyroid nodules; Ultrasound-guided procedures