Short-term outcome of adrenal radiofrequency ablation of huge adrenal cysts: A single-center experience

Percutaneous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for liver, kidney, lung, bone, and thyroid tumors. This treatment also has been used to treat adrenal tumors in patients, but there is no evidence for the efficacy of thermal ablation of adrenal cysts. The present study was performed to analyze the experience of a single center with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of huge adrenal cysts and to evaluate its efficacy. The present study enrolled all patients who underwent percutaneous RFA for unilateral adrenal cysts from 2019 to 2021. All patients underwent USG-guided percutaneous aspiration of cystic fluid, followed by RFA. A total nine patients with huge adrenal cysts were included in this study. All of them underwent technically successful percutaneous RFA, with no immediate complication. Follow-up CT 3 months after RFA showed that one patient had a poor response. She underwent secondary RFA with resulting in a good response. After a median follow-up period of 17.2 months, eight patients showed no evidence of recurrence. The patient, who showed evidence of recurrence, refused any other treatment and has been under regular surveillance. None of the nine patients developed adrenal insufficiency during the follow-up period. In conclusion, percutaneous RFA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for huge adrenal cystic masses, suggesting that percutaneous RFA may be a good alternative option in selected patients.