Sonographic measurement of thyroid nodule changes after microwave ablation: relationship between multiple parameters

AbstractObjective: Microwave ablation (MWA) is an effective technique for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is necessary to study changes in variables other than the volume reduction between follow-up intervals. This study also introduced the index R (Ssurface/V) to explore whether it could reflect features of shape between follow-up intervals.Materials and methods: A total of 236 complex benign thyroid nodules in 230 patients who underwent MWA in our department from October 2013 to February 2017 were included. The Dmax, volume (V), volume reduction ratio (VRR) and index R (Ssurface/V) parameters were evaluated before treatment and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6 and >12 months. Multiple comparisons of these parameters were performed between the baseline and each follow-up period for the entire patient group and subgroups based on diameter and volume.Results: All of the thyroid nodules underwent a significant decrease in size after MWA. The mean decrea...