Assessment of thyroid volume in adult Sri Lankans

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The ultrasound is the most sensitive method to detect goitre. Goitre size varies with different populations. Clinical palpation has low sensitivity. It is dependant on the experience of the examiner. Development of reference values for different populations is required. Objective of this study was to assess thyroid volume of Sri Lankans. METHODS: Patients taking inward treatment in the university surgicai unit for problems other than thyroid disorders and patients' bystanders were enrolled. Pregnant women, lactating women, acute or chronically ill patients, age below 16 years, abnormal echotexture or nodules on ultrasound examination were excluded. Subjects were selected randomly. Thyroid scan was done by a Consultant Radiologist. Thyroid volume was assessed using ellipsoid formula RESULTS: 60 males with mean age of 33 years were assessed. Their mean thyroid volume was 8.628 ml (2.73) with range of 2.657-15.15. Thirty females with median age of 42 were assessed. Mean thyroid volume of females was 6.413ml (1.66) with range of 2.871-9.737. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.01) Overall thyroid volume was 7.889ml (2.745). There was no significant difference in volume of both lobes (p>0.01). There was no significant correlation with height weight or BMI. Reference ranges for males and females were 8.628 ± 5.46 ml and 6.413 ± 3.32 ml respectively. CONCLUSION: Mean thyroid volumes of study sample of adult Sri Lankans were 8,628 ml (2.73) and 6.413ml (1.66) for males and females respectively. Reference ranges for males and females were 8.628 ± 5.46 mi and 6.413 ± 3.32 ml respectively.