Efficacy and ultrasonographic morphologic analysis of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation on benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy and ultrasonographic morphologic changes of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) on benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules. Methods A total of 37 patients with 37 benign thyroid nodules were treated by MWA in Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. The changes of thyroid nodule volume, successful rate of treatment, thyroid function, the incidence of complications and ultrasonographic morphologic changes were observed before treatment as well as at the postoperative 1th, 6th, 12th month follow-up, respectively. Results After 12 months of surgery, the median volume of thyroid nodule significantly decreased from 5.8 ml to 0.7 ml (Z=-4.20, P<0.001). The median volume reduction rate was 86.67%( Z=4.20, P<0.001), and the successful rate of treatment was eventually 100.0%(χ2=20.05, P<0.001). Because of the changes of composition of thyroid nodules and ultrasound echogenicity, the postoperative levels of thyroid imaging report and data system(TI-RADS) were significantly increased(Z=5.47, P<0.001). No serious complications were observed. Thyroid function and autoimmune antibody levels were not affected by MWA. However, serum thyroglobulin level was decreased after MWA(Z=-2.67, P<0.05). Conclusion MWA is safe and effective in treating benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules, which is able to change ultrasonic morphology as well. Key words: Benign thyroid nodule; Microwave ablation; Thermal ablation; Morphologic ultrasonography