PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Yoon, H.M. AU - Baek, J.H. AU - Lee, J.H. AU - Ha, E.J. AU - Kim, J.K. AU - Yoon, J.H. AU - Kim, W.B. TI - Combination Therapy Consisting of Ethanol and Radiofrequency Ablation for Predominantly Cystic Thyroid Nodules AID - 10.3174/ajnr.A3701 DP - 2014 Mar 01 TA - American Journal of Neuroradiology PG - 582--586 VI - 35 IP - 3 4099 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/35/3/582.short 4100 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/35/3/582.full SO - Am. J. Neuroradiol.2014 Mar 01; 35 AB - SUMMARY: Predominantly cystic thyroid nodules are often aspirated before radiofrequency ablation to enhance its efficacy; however internal bleeding during the aspiration is a problem. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of ethanol ablation to control internal bleeding that occurred during preparatory aspiration. Between September 2010 and August 2011, 11 of 40 predominantly cystic nodules bled internally during fluid aspiration before radiofrequency ablation. To control the bleeding, 99% ethanol was injected. The efficacy of ethanol in controlling bleeding, final nodule volume and complications were assessed. Control of the bleeding by ethanol ablation and subsequent radiofrequency ablation was feasible in all patients. Ninety-one percent (10/11) could be treated in 1 session. The mean nodule volume dropped from 17.1 to 4.3 mL (P < .018). There were no major complications. Ethanol ablation and radiofrequency ablation combination therapy is a feasible and safe technique for treating predominantly cystic thyroid nodules that exhibit internal bleeding during preparatory aspiration. EAethanol ablationRFradio-frequencyUSultrasound