Observational studyFrontiers in endocrinology2026
Improving radiofrequency ablation outcomes in large thyroid nodules: superiority of adjustable tip needles.
Observational study in Frontiers in endocrinology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Approximately 10-12% of thyroid nodule radiofrequency ablations (RFA) result in failure or regrowth, particularly for nodules larger than 20-30 mL. Adjustable-tip needles (ATN) have recently been introduced to allow tailored heat distribution, although current literature does not demonstrate clear advantages over fixed-tip needles (FTN). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ATNs in nodules with baseline volume >20 mL. Methods: This retrospective, monocentric observational study included 75 patients (38 FTN, 37 ATN) who underwent RFA for benign thyroid nodules >20 mL, with at least 12 months of follow-up. All patients had confirmed cytological benignity, negative serum calcitonin, normal thyroid function, and ENT evaluation. Technical parameters (energy, duration), volume reduction ratio (VRR), and Compressive/Cosmetic scores were collected at 1, 6, and 12 months. Therapeutic success was defined as VRR ≥50%. Results: ATNs yielded greater and sustained volume reduction (VRR at 12 months: 60.5% vs 52.4%, Conclusion: In benign thyroid nodules >20 mL, RFA with ATNs proved more effective than FTNs, thanks to a higher energy deposition. This could suggest a shift in the eligibility threshold for RFA up to 80 mL.
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