Application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound before and after microwave ablation of thyroid nodules / 中国基层医药

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) before and after microwave ablation of thyroid nodules.Methods:Fifty-six patients (79 thyroid nodules) who received microwave ablation of thyroid nodules in Huaian Medical District, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from March 2016 to October 2019 were included in this study. CEUS was performed before microwave ablation to accurately assess the size, number and blood supply of thyroid nodules as well as the position of the feeding vessels. CEUS was performed immediately after microwave ablation to determine whether the lesion area was thoroughly ablated and to measure the volume of thyroid nodules. At 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, the level of thyroid hormone was measured and the absorption of thyroid nodules was evaluated.Results:Preoperative CEUS showed that among the 79 thyroid nodules, 42 were solid nodules that had different degrees of enhancement, including 33 annular homogeneously highly enhanced nodules and 9 heterogeneously highly enhanced nodules; 24 were cystic mixed solid nodules that had solid components, including 16 homogeneously highly enhanced nodules and 8 nodules with only local high enhancement in the solid component; 13 were cystic nodules, including 9 nodules with septa and 3 nodules with contrast medium on the diaphragm. Contrast medium was still visible around three nodules immediately after microwave ablation. Ablation continued in three nodules until there was no contrast medium. The incidence of complications during and after treatment was 0%. The average volume of the thyroid nodules before treatment was (7.52 ± 6.74) cm3. At 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, the average volume of the thyroid nodules was (6.06 ± 5.19) cm3, (3.06 ± 2.85) cm3, (1.32 ± 1.23) cm3 and (0.59 ± 0.52) cm 3, respectively. There was significant difference in volume of thyroid nodules between before and after microwave ablation ( F = 96.32, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Preoperative CEUS can determine the distribution of the blood supply of thyroid nodules and the course of the feeding vessels, identify the needle-entering position for microwave ablation and the primary ablation area, improve the accuracy of treatment, and reduce the occurrence of complications such as bleeding. Postoperative CEUS can determine whether lesion area is thoroughly ablated, reduce residual lesions and excessive ablation.