A single session of laser ablation for toxic thyroid nodules: three-year follow-up results

Figures & data

Table 1. Population studied.

Variable
Age	41 ± 29
Sex (M/F)	31/51
Nodule volume (ml)
Median	12
Minimum	5
Maximum	118

Figure 1. Longitudinal scan of toxic nodule before (AP 23 mm × TR 32.5 × LG 39 mm; volume 15.2 ml) and after 6 months (AP 15 mm × TR 22.5 mm × LG 29; volume 5.1 ml) of single session of LA.

Table 2. Volume reduction and hormonal changes at different times.

Volume (ml)	Pre-LTA	3 months	6 months	1 year	3 years
Median	12 (5–118)	7.5 (1.1–47) p < 0.001	5.1 (1.2–39) p < 0.001	5.1 (1.2–39) p < 0.001	5 (1.2–40) p < 0.001
Volume reduction	–	37%	57%	57%	58%
TSH (uUI/ml)	2.2^a (1.8–4)	1.4^b (0.9–3)	1.3^b (1–3.1)	1.4^b (1.1–3.3)	1.5^b (1.2–2.9)
FT4 (pg/ml)	1.3^a (0.7–1.6)	1.1^b (0.8–2.9)	1.3^b (0.9–2.7)	1.4^b (0.9–2.9)	1.4^b (0.8–3)

^aWith methimazole therapy.

^bWith and without methimazole therapy (see Results section).

Table 3. Correlation between initial volume of toxic nodule and therapeutic response (suspension of methimazole) with volume reduction ratio.

	0–5 ml (n = 6)	5–15 ml (n = 51)	15–25 ml (n = 18)	> 25 ml (n = 7)
	6/6 (100%)	46/51 (90.2%)	11/18 (61.1%)	2/7 (28.5%)
Volume reduction	69% (59–85%)	64% (54–82%)	53% (50–63%)	48% (41–53%)
Pt. who suspended methimazole	6/6 (100%)	46/51 (90.2%)	11/18 (61.1%)	2/7 (28.5%)
Pt. who reduced the dosage of methimazole	0/6	4/51	4/18	1/7