Demonstration of nodules in the normal thyroid by echography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Endocrinology
• Thyroid Imaging

Background:

• Thyroid nodules are common findings.
• Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for thyroid evaluation.
• Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of incidental thyroid findings is important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the prevalence and distribution of thyroid nodules and masses detected via ultrasound in a normal thyroid population.
• To investigate age- and lobe-specific variations in nodule occurrence.

Main Methods:

• Prospective ultrasound examination of the normal thyroid gland in 300 adult patients.
• Detailed recording of nodule size, echogenicity, and location.
• Patient demographics including age and sex were collected.

Main Results:

• Small echoic nodules were identified in 19% of patients.
• Fluid-filled masses (cysts) were present in 6% of patients.
• Nodule prevalence exceeded 40% in the seventh decade of life, with 71% located in the right thyroid lobe.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound frequently detects small, incidental thyroid nodules, especially in older individuals.
• The right thyroid lobe demonstrates a higher predilection for nodule formation.
• These findings contribute to the understanding of normal thyroid ultrasound variations.