Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Thyroid Artery Embolization in the Treatment of Thyroid Nodules: A Meta-Analysis

Abdi, Amirullah; Prihantono, Prihantono; Hendra, Faqi Nurdiansyah; Zainuddin, Andi Alfian; Smaradhania, Nilam; Syamsu, Salman Ardi

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2785

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Thyroid Artery Embolization in the Treatment of Thyroid Nodules: A Meta-Analysis

Document Type : Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors

¹ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.

² Department of Surgery, Subdivision of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.

³ Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.

10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2785

Abstract

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of thyroid artery embolization (TAE) in the treatment of thyroid nodules. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies published between 1973 and 2023 were identified through PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that evaluated TAE in patients with thyroid nodules. Data were extracted on hormonal levels (FT4, TSH), nodule volume, complications, quality of life, and surgical outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 with fixed or random-effect models, and results were expressed with pooled mean differences or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Ten studies with a total of 347 patients were included. TAE significantly reduced nodule volume (mean difference: –51.95 mL, 95% CI: –78.58 to –25.33, p = 0.0001), increased TSH levels (mean difference: –0.63 µIU/mL, 95% CI: –1.10 to –0.16, p = 0.009), and reduced surgical blood loss and operative time. The odds ratio for minor versus major complications was 42.60 (95% CI: 17.51 to 103.64, p < 0.00001), indicating a favorable safety profile. Quality of life showed a trend toward improvement, although not statistically significant (OR: 27.72, 95% CI: 0.47 to 1648.47, p = 0.11). Conclusion: TAE appears to be a safe and potentially effective procedure for reducing thyroid nodule volume and improving surgical outcomes. However, conclusions should be interpreted cautiously due to high heterogeneity and the observational nature of the included studies.

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