Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of thyroid follicular neoplasm with low SUV in PET/CT study

Wei Che Lin*, Yu Cheng Tung, Yen Hsiang Chang, Sheng Dean Luo, Pi Ling Chiang, Shun Chen Huang, Wei Chih Chen, Chen Kai Chou, Yan Ye Su, Wen Chieh Chen, Shun Yu Chi, Jung Hwan Baek

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on follicular neoplasm with low standard uptake value (SUV) in a Positron emission tomography (PET/CT) study. Methods: From January 2018 to July 2019, 86 consecutive patients were diagnosed with follicular neoplasm. Of the patients, 28 with PET/CT scans were enrolled in this study. All patients received ultrasound, fine/core needle aspiration, and PET/CT scan prior to treatment. In accordance with previous studies, we recommended 6 patients who had follicular neoplasm with SUVmax ≥5 undergo surgical resection due to an elevated suspicion of malignancy. For 22 patients SUVmax <5, RFA was performed using the moving shot technique. Ultrasound was performed 6 to 12 months after each procedure. Results: Statistically significant volume reductions during follow-up between values prior to RFA and 12 months post RFA were demonstrated (12.6 ± 20.9 vs. 2.4 ± 3.0 cm3, p < 0.001). Volume reduction ratios at 6–12 months (mean: 10.1 months) after RFA were 73.3% ± 17.7%. One patient presented with vocal cord palsy and recovered within 3 months after RFA. No postprocedural hypothyroidism occurred in the RFA patients. Conclusions: By using PET/CT, we can select patients with low SUV follicular neoplasm. RFA offers a safe and feasible alternative treatment option for patients unsuitable or unwilling to undergo surgery.KEY POINTS By using positron emission tomography-computed tomography, we can distinguish low SUV follicular neoplasm for radiofrequency ablation. For low SUV follicular neoplasm, RF ablation offers a safe and effective alternative treatment option for patients unsuitable or unwilling to undergo surgery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)963-969
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Hyperthermia
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Keywords

  • F-18 FDG PET/CT
  • Thyroid gland
  • ablation technique
  • follicular neoplasm
  • ultrasound

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