Laser Ablation for Spongiform Thyroid Nodules: Identifying Baseline Nodule Volume and Energy to Be Delivered for Successful Treatment

Overview

Journal Endocrine

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2024 May 15

PMID 38748203

Authors

Roberto Negro

Matteo Rucco

Gabriele Greco

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Laser ablation (LA) is a minimally invasive treatment. It has been widely used since the early 2000s to induce volume reduction of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Up to 40% of laser-treated nodules have been reported to achieve a volume reduction of <50% (technique inefficacy) at 12 months and tend to regrow over time.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the optimal baseline volume and energy to be delivered to minimize technique inefficacy.

Methods: This was a retrospective study. Data were collected, including baseline volume, energy delivered, and 12-month volume reduction ratio (VRR) of spongiform nodules (EU-TIRADS 2) treated with LA between 2010 and 2020. Based on these data, the optimal baseline volume and energy to be delivered were calculated to maximize the rate of nodules with technique efficacy (VRR ≥ 50% at 12-month follow-up).

Results: A total of 205 patients with spongiform nodules were included in this study. The energy delivered was positively associated with VRR. However, no association was observed between baseline volume and VRR. Delivering energy ≥500 J/mL to nodules with a mean baseline volume of 11.4 ± 4 mL resulted in technique efficacy in 83% of cases.

Conclusion: Treating spongiform nodules with a baseline volume of ≤15 mL and delivering energy ≥500 J/mL are key factors for achieving a relevant rate of technique efficacy.

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