[Prevalence of goiter in the Aachen area. Ultrasound volumetry of the thyroid gland of 1,336 adults in an endemic goiter region]

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of thyroid enlargement by ultrasonic volume measurements.

Results: 1336 adults living in the iodine-deficient area of Aachen, West Germany (760 females, 576 males, mean age: 54.05 +/- 16.09 years) were included in the investigation. The ultrasonic examination was carried out in patients who did not suffer from thyroid disease at the time of study.

Results: The thyroid volume was age-dependent and varied from 13.3 +/- 10.4 ml in patients < 21 years to 29.9 +/- 24.3 ml in patients > 70 years. The prevalence of thyroid enlargement ranged from 14.3% in young people to 51.3% in the elderly. There was no difference in the volumes of the left and right thyroid lobe. The prevalence of thyroid enlargement was higher in females compared to males (p < 0.05). Retrosternal thyroid mass was detected in 25% of all patients > 70 years.

Conclusion: There is evidence of a high prevalence of thyroid enlargement in iodine-deficient areas.