Utility of elastography of thyroid nodules and effectiveness of their treatment using laser thermal ablation - preliminary results of the first observation of the Polish population.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid nodules comprise the most prevalent endocrinological condition in the general population. Their treatment is usually invasive and includes surgery or radioiodine; nevertheless, minimally invasive method like laser thermal ablation (LTA) are becoming a more widely available alternative.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between shear wave elastography parameters (SWE) and the effect of LTA. The study included 42 patients with thyroid nodules measuring at least 25 mm in one dimension. Each patient underwent a thermal ablation procedure, preceded by a detailed ultrasound examination in which SWE parameters were measured.

RESULTS: In short-term observation (3 months) the mean volume reduction rate (VRR) was 35.1%. After LTA, the nodule volume and its stiffness significantly changed (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in VRR depending on the type of the lesion (p = 0.827), vascularity (p = 0.921), gender (p = 0.665), or age (p = 0.230). None of the aforementioned parameters showed a significant correlation with VRR (p = 0.803, R = 0.21). No significant adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: LTA caused a significant decrease in thyroid nodule volume in short-term observation. The procedure was safe and relatively painless. Significant changes in ultrasonographic parameters were observed. In this first short-term observation of the Polish population, initial nodule characteristics, vascularity, gender, and age did not correlate with LTA effectiveness. Long-term observation is necessary to determine the utility of SWE in LTA qualification and treatment planning.