TY - JOUR T1 - Combination Therapy Consisting of Ethanol and Radiofrequency Ablation for Predominantly Cystic Thyroid Nodules JF - American Journal of Neuroradiology JO - Am. J. Neuroradiol. DO - 10.3174/ajnr.A3701 AU - H.M. Yoon AU - J.H. Baek AU - J.H. Lee AU - E.J. Ha AU - J.K. Kim AU - J.H. Yoon AU - W.B. Kim Y1 - 2013/08/22 UR - http://www.ajnr.org/content/early/2013/08/22/ajnr.A3701.abstract N2 - 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. Abbreviations EAethanol ablationRFradio-frequencyUSultrasound ER -