Thyroid dysfunction following radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules: more likely to occur within one-week and in high-risk population

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been recommended as the treatment for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) by some guidelines. However, detailed follow-up instructions function about timing and affected populations after RFA are lacked due to insufficient researches. This 12-month prospective study aimed evaluate incidence risk factors of dysfunction at different time points RFA, especially within 1 week that previous studies didn’t concern.Methods Seventy-five euthyroid patients who underwent symptomatic BTNs were enrolled (ChiCTR-INR-16007884). The week, 1, 6, 12 months was evaluated. types in terms further analyzed.Results Within high 36.00% unexpectedly, only overt thyrotoxicosis subclinical occurred, which significantly associated with low-normal baseline thyrotropin (TSH) level (p = 0.001) volume ratio 0.008). From (the long term), dropped remained low (8.00–12.00%); presented thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism. long-term group had more cases diabetes lower TSH levels. hypothyroidism positive peroxidase antibodies, higher levels, ratios.Conclusions After BTNs, likely occur factors.