Abstract
BackgroundRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) effectively reduces volume and improves symptoms of benign, non-functioning thyroid nodules (NFTNs). Given RFA's unclear impact on thyroid function, we examined post-RFA trends in thyroid hormones and antibodies. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted of patients treated at Columbia University with RFA for benign NFTNs between August 2019 and July 2023. Thyroid function tests were recorded pre-RFA and repeated 3, 6, and 12 months post-RFA. ResultsWe analyzed 185 patients with 243 benign NFTNs who underwent RFA. Volume reduction ratio increased post-RFA. Mean TSH increased to 2.4 mlU/L (p = 0.005) at 3 months post-RFA and decreased to 1.8 mlU/L (p = 0.551) by 12 months post-RFA. Tg and TPO antibody levels peaked at 6 months post-RFA (103.1 IU/mL, p = 0.868 and 66.6 IU/mL, p = 0.523, respectively). ConclusionsWith expected volume reduction post-RFA, we observed transient relative hypothyroidism as well as transient increases in thyroid antibodies, with normalization of these changes within 12 months.
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