US-CT fusion-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of large substernal benign thyroid nodules.
Davide OrlandiUmberto ViglinoGiorgia DedoneGiacomo LealePietro CarusoGiovanni MauriGiovanni TurtuliciPublished in: International journal of hyperthermia : the official journal of European Society for Hyperthermic Oncology, North American Hyperthermia Group (2022)
The aim of the present study was to assess feasibility, safety and outcome of ultrasound (US) guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of large substernal benign thyroid nodules assisted by US-computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging and real-time virtual needle tracking (VT) system. Thirty patients (18 females, mean age 56 y, range 32-76 y) with 35 benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules (mean volume ± SD 26.8 ± 7.6 mL; range 20-38mL) were selected for CT-US fusion guided RF ablation. Nodules' volume was evaluated before treatment and during 12-months follow-up. Complications' rate was also evaluated. US-CT fusion imaging with VT system was feasible in all cases (feasibility 100%) and it was always possible to complete the procedure as planned (technical success 100%). Minor complications occurred in 2/30 cases (6.6%). No major complications occurred. 50% volume reduction (technique efficacy) was achieved in 93% cases, with a significant mean volume reduction at 12 months follow-up (68.7 ± 10.8%), ( p < .001). The VT system could be useful in thyroid nodules ablation procedures assistance being able to track the RF electrode tip even when this is obscured by the bubbles produced by the ablative process. The combination of fusion imaging with VT assisted RF ablation represents a safe, non-surgical treatment option for patients with large substernal benign thyroid nodules.
Keyphrases
- radiofrequency ablation
- computed tomography
- dual energy
- image quality
- contrast enhanced
- positron emission tomography
- ultrasound guided
- high resolution
- magnetic resonance imaging
- end stage renal disease
- risk factors
- minimally invasive
- ejection fraction
- chronic kidney disease
- peritoneal dialysis
- magnetic resonance
- prognostic factors
- mass spectrometry
- contrast enhanced ultrasound
- combination therapy
- photodynamic therapy