Mid-to Long-term Outcomes After Single Radiofrequency Ablation of Nontoxic and Toxic Thyroid Nodules
Authors' conclusion
In our cohort, a single RFA treatment resulted in favorable mid- to long-term outcomes in 83% of nontoxic and 78% of toxic adenoma patients, with an acceptable complication rate.
Study context
- Population
- Consecutive patients with benign thyroid adenomas (nontoxic nodules or toxic adenomas) treated with single mono- or bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under local anesthesia, single-center thyroid clinic in Austria
- Participants
- 896 consecutive patients
- Exposure
- Nontoxic nodules vs Toxic adenomas
- Nontoxic nodulesn = 765
- Toxic adenomasn = 131
- Outcome
- Recurrence: nodule size increase ≥50% from smallest volume after RFA (nontoxic) or relapse of hyperthyroidism (toxic)
Methodological detailsretrospective review of standardized prospective database, single-centre, consecutive patients, Follow-up ≥3 years available for 437 nontoxic and 58 toxic adenomas
- Retrospective review of standardized prospective database
- Single-centre
- Consecutive patients
- Follow-up ≥3 years available for 437 nontoxic and 58 toxic adenomas
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Recurrence (regrowth for nontoxic; hyperthyroidism relapse for toxic)
| Group | Value | Cumulative incidence over max 8 years | Cumulative incidence over 7 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nontoxic nodules | 7.1% | 17.3% | |
| Toxic adenomas | 11.5% | 21.6% |
Value
Nontoxic nodules7.1%
Toxic adenomas11.5%
Cumulative incidence over max 8 years
Nontoxic nodules17.3%
Toxic adenomas— not stated in the abstract
Cumulative incidence over 7 years
Nontoxic nodules— not stated in the abstract
Toxic adenomas21.6%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Baseline nodule volume · median baseline
Average nodule volume decrease · 1, 3 and 5 years
- Nontoxic nodules: decrease at 1, 3, 5 years
- 79%, 82%, 86%
- Toxic adenomas: decrease at 1, 3, 5 years
- 84%, 88%, 89%
- Volume remained stable afterwards
Euthyroid after retreatment among toxic recurrences
- Became euthyroid
- 14
- After low-dose RAI
- 11
- After second RFA
- 3
Safety
- Moderate complications
- 2.3%
- Severe complications
- 0.3%
Original publication
Mid-to Long-term Outcomes After Single Radiofrequency Ablation of Nontoxic and Toxic Thyroid Nodules. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 4 November 2025. doi:10.
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