PREVALENCE OF GOITER IN THE AACHEN COMMUNITY - ULTRASONIC THYROID VOLUME MEASUREMENTS IN 1336 ADULTS LIVING IN AN IODINE-DEFICIENT AREA

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 mi 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.