Identifying Failure Predictors in Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation Using Multivariate Analysis: A Single‐Centre Experience
Authors' conclusion
Our results suggest that pre-treatment thyroglobulin levels may serve as a potential biochemical predictor of RFA success in benign thyroid nodules, while antibody positivity may suggest susceptibility to post-ablation hypothyroidism.
Study context
- Population
- Consecutive patients undergoing US-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for cytologically benign thyroid nodules, single tertiary centre, January 2018–March 2024; mean age 52.6 years, 85.5% female
- Participants
- 62 patients
- Outcome
- Volume Reduction Ratio (VRR), with ≥ 50% defined as procedural success
Methodological detailssingle-centre, consecutive patients, exploratory multivariable model
- Single-centre
- Consecutive patients
- Exploratory multivariable model
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Median best Volume Reduction Ratio (VRR) (IQR 46.6-74.5)
61.9%
Patients attaining ≥ 50% reduction
71%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Predictors of VRR and procedural failure: pre-treatment thyroglobulin (Tg)
- Higher pre-treatment Tg significantly associated with reduced VRR
- P < 0.001
- Pre-treatment Tg independently associated with procedural failure, multivariable model (OR per 10 ng/mL increase)
- OR 0.87, p = 0.011
- Exploratory multivariable model
Predictors: pre-treatment thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Univariate positive trend; not significant on multivariate analysis
Safety
Post-RFA hypothyroidism
- Developed hypothyroidism post-RFA, both with positive anti-Tg antibodies
- 2 (3.2%)
- Patients with positive anti-Tg antibodies in total
- 13
Complications
- Overall complication rate
- 6.5%
- Major adverse events
- 0
Original publication
Identifying Failure Predictors in Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation Using Multivariate Analysis: A Single‐Centre Experience. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). Published 8 March 2026. doi:10.
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