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http://dx.doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2015.16.6.1332

Radiofrequency versus Ethanol Ablation for Treating Predominantly Cystic Thyroid Nodules: A Randomized Clinical Trial  

Baek, Jung Hwan (Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center)
Ha, Eun Ju (Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center)
Choi, Young Jun (Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center)
Sung, Jin Yong (Department of Radiology, Thyroid Center, Daerim St. Mary's Hospital)
Kim, Jae Kyun (Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine)
Shong, Young Kee (Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Radiology / v.16, no.6, 2015 , pp. 1332-1340 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objective: To compare single-session radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) for treating predominantly cystic thyroid nodules (PCTNs). Materials and Methods: This single-blind, randomized trial was approved by the Institutional Review Board of two centers and informed consent was obtained from all patients before enrollment. Fifty patients with a single PCTN (cystic portion less than 90% and greater than 50%) were randomly assigned to be treated by either RFA (25 patients) or EA (25 patients) at two hospitals. The primary outcome was the tumor volume reduction ratio (%) at the six-month follow-up and the superiority margin was set at 13% (RFA minus EA). Analysis was performed primarily in an intention-to-treat manner. The secondary outcomes were the therapeutic success rate, improvement of symptomatic and cosmetic problems, and the number of major complications. Results: The mean volume reduction was $87.5{\pm}11.5%$ for RFA (n = 22) and $82.4{\pm}28.6%$ for EA (n = 24) (p = 0.710; mean difference [95% confidence interval], 5.1% [-8.0 to 18.2]), indicating no significant difference. Regarding the secondary outcomes, therapeutic success (p = 0.490), mean symptom (p = 0.205) and cosmetic scores (p = 0.710) showed no difference. There were no major complications in either group (p > 0.99). Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of RFA is not superior to that of EA; therefore, EA might be preferable as the first-line treatment for PCTNs.
Keywords
Ultrasound; Radiofrequency; Ethanol; Predominantly cystic thyroid nodule; Thyroid;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 6  (Citation Analysis)
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