Objective : To assess the predictors of successful inactivation of benign thyroid nodules using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the hormonal responses thereafter. Methods: A retrospective study conducted at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (January 2022 to January 2024) analysed thyroid tumor characteristics using B-mode ultrasound, colour Doppler imaging, and CEUS post-RFA. Thyroid hormone levels were also assessed before RFA and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. Results : The study involved 72 patients with benign thyroid nodules, comprising 13 males and 59 females, with a mean age of 45.8 ± 12.1 years. Complete inactivation was achieved in 70.8% of nodules, while 29.2% showed partial inactivation. Nodules with complete inactivation exhibited more calcification (p = 0.040), whereas those with partial inactivation demonstrated higher vascularity (p < 0.001). Hormonal levels remained within normal ranges, with no significant differences between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression identified nodular vascularity (p < 0.001) as an independent predictor of nodule inactivation after RFA. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study found that therapeutic RFA effectively achieves high rates of complete inactivation in benign thyroid nodules, with the degree of inactivation mainly influenced by nodule vascularity and calcifications.
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