Thyroid artery embolization of large solitary symptomatic benign thyroid nodules through transradial approach

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of transradial access (TRA) thyroid artery embolization (TAE) for patients with large solitary symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Six patients with a total of six nodules (three men and three women; mean age, 36.3 years; age range, 23–45 years) underwent TRA TAE between October 2021 and June 2022 and were subsequently followed up three months later, and their cases were retrospectively reviewed. The associated complications were recorded during and after TRA TAE. The volume change and nodule-related symptom score on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) between baseline, 1- and 3-month follow-up was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The technical success rate of the TRA TAE was 100% without conversion to transfemoral access. The mean volume of the nodules decreased between baseline (84.1 mL; range, 46.1–170.5 mL), 1-month (38.8 mL; range, 17.6–91.5 mL; P=0.028) and 3-month (14.8 mL; range, 3.95–26.4 mL; P=0.068) at follow-up after TRA TAE. The mean volume reduction rate was 54.9% (range, 45.2–71.8%) at 1-month follow-up and 81.8% (range, 62.0–92.0%) at 3-month follow-up. The VAS score was reduced at 1-month (P=0.028) and at 3-month follow up (P=0.068). Radial artery spasm (n=1) was noted during TRA TAE, and neck pain (n=5) and voice change (n=1) occurred within 1 week after the procedure and resolved with conservative treatment. No major complications were reported. TRA TAE may be a promising alternative therapy for the management of large solitary thyroid nodules.