Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine frequency of thyroid incidentalomas (TI) through ultrasound (US) and its association with age, gender and ethnicities. It was a cross-sectional study. Total 269 adults who were asymptomatic for thyroid disease aged 21 years and above underwent ultrasound examination of their thyroid. Frequency of TI found was 21%. TI was detected in 25% of females and 16% males (P= 0.078). 61% had thyroid nodules (TNs) in one lobe (right, left or isthmus) and 39% had TNs in more than one location. About 55% had single TN and 45% had multiple TNs. 38% had TNs greater than 1cm while 57% had TNs smaller than 1 cm. 5% had TNs greater and smaller than 1 cm. TI was equally common in individuals of different ethinicities (P= 0.758). Frequency of thyroid incidentalomas found in our study was higher than most of the other iodine sufficient states. Unlike other studies, incidentalomas were equally common in both the genders of our study. This may be due to the previous iodine deficient status of Pakistan which was prevalent. However further studies on the same topic will help us in identifying the correct status of thyroid incidentalomas if Pakistan retains it's status as an iodine sufficient state.
Highlights
Advancement in medical technology has increased the frequency of detection of subclinical nodules in endocrine organs especially in thyroid gland called “Thyroid incidentalomas” (TI)
In our study frequency of thyroid nodules (TNs) increased with age (Graph.1) and there was a significant difference in TI among the different age groups (P= 0.002) (Table-I)
As Pakistan was a severe iodine deficient state we suggest that iodine deficiency in recent past could be the primary cause for increased frequency of TI in both the genders.[23]
Summary
Advancement in medical technology has increased the frequency of detection of subclinical nodules in endocrine organs especially in thyroid gland called “Thyroid incidentalomas” (TI). TI means discovery of a thyroid nodule (TN) by imaging investigations in individuals who are asymptomatic for thyroid disease.[1,2] A TN is an atypical growth of follicular cells of thyroid, which form swelling in the gland. A thyroid swelling is palpable when it is large or when it is present close to the surface of gland. TN is called functioning when it is secreting thyroid hormones and it is called non-functioning when not secreting thyroid hormones. TN can be single or multiple, solid or cystic and can be benign or malignant.[3,4]
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