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Thyroid incidentaloma in Isfahan, Iran - a population-based study
Fatemeh Jafary1, Ashraf Aminorroaya, Massoud Amini
1Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Endokrynologia Polska
|September 9, 2008
Summary
Thyroid incidentalomas, nodules found incidentally via imaging, affect 13.2% of adults in Isfahan. This prevalence is higher in women and older individuals, with lower iodine levels observed in those with incidentalomas.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Thyroid incidentalomas are nodules discovered incidentally during imaging or surgery, not through physical examination.
- Understanding their prevalence is crucial for clinical management and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of sonographic thyroid incidentaloma in the adult population of Isfahan, Iran.
- To identify demographic and biochemical factors associated with thyroid incidentaloma.
Main Methods:
- A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select 2523 adults.
- Thyroid sonography was performed on a randomly selected subgroup (n=234) from those with a normal physical examination.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), urinary iodine concentrations (UIC), and antithyroid antibodies were measured.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of sonographic thyroid incidentaloma was 13.2% (95% CI: 8-18%).
- Incidentalomas were more common in females (19% vs. 10% in males) and increased with age (average age 46.1 vs. 38.4 years).
- Lower median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was associated with incidentaloma (14 µg/dL vs. 20 µg/dL). No significant differences were found in TSH or antithyroid antibodies.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of thyroid incidentaloma in Isfahan is 13.2%.
- Female sex and older age are significant risk factors for thyroid incidentaloma.
- Iodine status may play a role in the development of thyroid incidentalomas.
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