BackgroundHigh-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising, non-invasive technique in treating benign thyroid nodules (TNs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HIFU to induce clinically meaningful shrinkage in benign predominantly solid TNs and to identify variables that influence or predict the magnitude of TN volume reduction.MethodsFor each of ten subjects, HIFU treatment was conducted on a single nodule. Nodular volume was measured sonographically at baseline and at 3 months post-procedure. Nodular function and early treatment assessment was done scintigraphically.ResultsMedian nodular volume reduction was 0.7 ml absolute and 48.8% relative to pre-interventional size (p < 0.05). Absolute shrinkage was negatively correlated with the average treatment depth (τ = −0.61, p < 0.05). Absolute nodular volume was positively correlated with the scintigraphic nodular uptake reduction (τ = 0.66, p < 0.05).ConclusionsHIFU treatment of benign predominantly solid TNs appears to be safe and effective for inducing nodular shrinkage. Despite potential for improvement, a single treatment session with HIFU is already a viable alternative to more standard methods. The feasibility of multiple HIFU treatments requires further investigation. Due to the small sample size, the findings of this analysis need conformation by larger studies.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in reducing thyroid nodule volume while preserving thyroid function as measured by immunological response. Materials and Methods: 12 patients (9 females) whose average age was 56.9 years (37???81) were treated with HIFU in an ambulatory setting. All patients had a single benign thyroid nodule treated in one HIFU session. The median nodular outline volume (NOV) was 3.4?ml (range 0.6???5.0?ml). The therapeutic ultrasound probe (Echopulse? THC900?888-H) used works with a frequency of 3?MHz, reaching temperatures of 80???90? C and a mean output between 87.6 and 192.8?W. To assess possible effects of HIFU on thyroid function, serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroglobulin (hTg) and antibodies against thyroglobulin (TAbs), thyrotropin receptors (TRAbs) and thyroid peroxidase (TPOAbs) were measured at enrollment, 24-hours post-HIFU treatment and at 3-month follow-up.Pre- post thyroglobulin reduction was measured to evaluate the success of ablation and the nodular outline volume (NOV) was evaluated at baseline and the 3-month follow-up to assess effectiveness. Results: All measured hormone levels were within normal ranges and remained stable (p?>?0.05). No clinically meaningful immune reaction was induced (p?>?0.05). Thyroglobulin serum levels increased significantly at 24 hours after ablation (p?

HIFU is a safe and effective method to treat benign, solid, complex, hot and cold thyroid nodules preserving thyroid function. Further developments of the system are needed to gain suitability for daily use.

BackgroundHigh-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) allows to inflict intracorporal thermal lesions without penetrating the skin or damaging the surrounding tissue. This analysis intends to assess the magnitude of HIFU-induced ablations within benign thyroid nodules using scintigraphic imaging with 99mTc.MethodsTen cold, hot, or indifferent nodules were treated using multiple pulses of HIFU to induce temperatures of around 85°C within the ablation zone. Pre- and posttreatment, uptake values of 99mTc-pertechnetate or 99mTc-MIBI were recorded. The pre-post reduction of nodular uptake was evaluated to assess ablation magnitude.ResultsRelative nodular uptake in relation to total thyroidal uptake decreased after one session of HIFU in all cases. Median 99mTc-MIBI uptake reduction was 35.5% (ranging from 11% to 57%; p < 0.1), while 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy showed a median uptake reduction of 27% (range 10% to 44%; p < 0.1). No major complications were observed.ConclusionsHIFU appears to be safe and is an easy to perform means of thermal ablation. This study shows that HIFU treatment in thyroidal nodules can be evaluated by scintigraphic means shortly after the intervention. Due to small sample size, the exact magnitude of HIFU ablation efficiency in thyroidal nodules remains a value to be assessed in a larger study.

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