{
  "abstract": "Background: This study aimed to evaluate radiological and procedural factors associated with treatment response in benign thyroid nodules treated with microwave ablation (MWA).\n\nMethods: Of 90 consecutive patients who underwent MWA for cytologically benign (Bethesda II) thyroid nodules, 80 who completed 12 months of follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-procedural ultrasonography was used to assess nodule volume, composition, and Doppler vascularity. All ablations were performed under ultrasound guidance using the moving-shot technique, and volume reduction ratio (VRR) was calculated during follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome, treatment success, was defined as a VRR ≥75% at 12 months. Pearson correlation and multivariable logistic regression (forced-entry method) analyses were performed to determine factors influencing response.\n\nResults: The mean patient age was 46.7 ± 16.6 years, and 66.3% were female. Mean baseline nodule volume was 11.75 ± 3.31 mL. Nodules were predominantly cystic in 38.8%, solid in 35%, and mixed in 26.3%. Mean VRR increased progressively during follow-up, from 26.2 ± 8.1% at 1 month to 72.5 ± 5.9% at 12 months, and treatment success (VRR ≥75%) was achieved in 35.0% of patients (28/80), whereas all nodules (100%) achieved a VRR ≥50%. Regrowth (any volume increase from the smallest recorded volume) occurred in 25.0% of patients, repeat ablation was required in 13.8%, and the complication rate was 5.0%. No significant correlation was found between baseline volume and VRR (r = 0.102, p = 0.367). Logistic regression identified nodule composition (p = 0.009) and vascularity (p = 0.017) as factors independently associated with treatment success. Predominantly cystic nodules and nodules with lower vascularity were more likely to achieve treatment success.\n\nConclusion: MWA was associated with substantial volume reduction and a low complication rate in benign thyroid nodules. Within the studied volume range, treatment response was associated with nodule composition and vascularity rather than initial size. Pre-procedural evaluation of nodule morphology and perfusion may help optimize patient selection.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University",
    "Public Health Services Department, Kahramanmaras Provincial Health Directorate",
    "Department of Radiology, Gaziantep City Hospital, Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health"
  ],
  "article_type": null,
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 5,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Mehmet Demir"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Feza Demir"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Cetin Murat Altay"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Mehmet Onay"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Ali Burak Binboğa"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/es7zjy10pp2s0.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.3389/fendo.2026.1956986",
  "fulltext_url": null,
  "id": "es7zjy10pp2s0",
  "issns": [
    "1664-2392"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2026.1956986/full",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [],
  "openalex": null,
  "pdf_url": null,
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-11-04",
  "publisher": "Frontiers Media SA",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/es7zjy10pp2s0.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-04T12:21:48Z",
      "native_id": "10.3389/fendo.2026.1956986",
      "source": "crossref",
      "url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2026.1956986/full"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "issn:1664-2392",
      "subfield": "endocrinology-metabolism"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Factors associated with treatment response to microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules: a retrospective single-center study of nodule composition and vascularity",
  "title_text": "Factors associated with treatment response to microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules: a retrospective single-center study of nodule composition and vascularity",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-06T00:21:27Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/es7zjy10pp2s0",
  "venue": "Frontiers in Endocrinology",
  "versions": []
}