The efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of benign thyroid nodules.
- Author:
Brian H LANG
1
;
Arnold L H WU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Ultrasonography, interventional; High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation; Hyperthermia, induced; Goiter, nodular; Ablation techniques
- MeSH: Ablation Techniques; Goiter, Nodular; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation*; Humans; Hyperthermia, Induced; Prospective Studies; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Thyroid Gland*; Thyroid Nodule*; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Vocal Cord Paralysis
- From: Ultrasonography 2018;37(2):89-97
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising form of thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules, but evidence supporting its use is scarce. The present review evaluated the efficacy and safety of single-session HIFU treatment of benign thyroid nodules. As reported in the literature, the extent of nodule shrinkage following treatment ranged from 48.8% to 68.8%. Like other forms of ablation, the shrinkage rate was greatest in the first 3-6 months, and the best responders were patients with small (≤10 mL) nodules. Complications were uncommon, but temporary vocal cord palsy occurred in 3%-4% of patients, and was related to the distance between the HIFU beam and the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Despite being safe and efficacious, a larger-scale prospective trial is required.
