Normative data of thyroid volume-ultrasonographic evaluation in clinically asymptomatic Nigerian adults at Benue state university teaching hospital, Makurdi

Abstract

Background: Thyroid gland volume is highly variable among communities. Current study was aimed to determine the local normative data on thyroid volume, assessed by ultrasonography in asymptomatic Nigerian adults.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary hospital between February 2020 to February 2021, which included 500 clinically asymptomatic adults in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria. Age specific reference values for thyroid volume were obtained. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on other variables that could influence thyroid gland volume. The data obtained, including that from blood tests of thyroid function was collated and analysed using SPSS 23, with p=0.05.Results: The mean total thyroid gland volume for both lobes in the entire population of the study was 6.91±2.41 cm3. The mean thyroid volume for both lobes in males 7.09±2.60 cm3 was higher than that of females 6.73±2.38 cm3. The mean right and left lobe volumes were 3.56±1.14 cm3 and 3.35±1.10 cm3 respectively. The right lobe volume was significantly greater than the left lobe (p=0.000). There was a consistent steady increase in thyroid gland volume with increasing age for the general, male and female population until at least the 5th or 6th decade. The total thyroid gland volume significantly correlated with the individual’s body parameters. Highest correlation was found with height (r=0.256, p<0.05)).Conclusions: Ultrasonography was valuable in the determination of thyroid gland volume and normal values were different in various communities.