Frequency Of Thyroid Nodules Research Articles

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology in theAfrican American population: A tertiary centre experience.

The reported risk of malignancies (ROM) remains controversial for fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules in the African American (AA) population. Herein, the ROM along with frequency was assessed for each of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) diagnostic categories. The electronic pathology archive of a large academic hospital was retrospectively searched for cytopathology reports of thyroid nodules in AA patients (2010-2019) and Non-African American (NAA) control cases. The patients' demographic, thyroid nodule characteristics, FNA results using TBSRTC and surgical diagnoses were recorded, whenever available. Three hundred ninety-one cases were identified, 317 females (81.1%) and 74 males (18.9%) with median age 50.0 (SD = 14.4). The mean size of the nodules was 2.1 cm (SD = 1.4). The Bethesda categories were: 5.4% (I), 35.0% (II), 35.3% (III), 7.7% (IV), 3.3% (V) and 13.3% (VI). The overall ROM of thyroid nodules was 43.8% (89/203) on surgical follow-up (203/391). The ROM in each Bethesda categories were: 33.3% (I), 11.6% (II), 35.2% (III), 15.8% (IV), 83.3% (V) and 100% (VI) on surgical follow-up. The frequency of thyroid nodules was higher in AA females; however, the ROM was higher in AA males (48.3%) compared with AA females (41.2%). The ROM in Categories I, II and III was higher than those reported in the TBSRTC while being similar in Categories IV, V and VI. The overall risk of thyroid malignancy in our AA patient population was higher than those in the literature. The overall ROM of thyroid nodules in AA males was higher than of AA females.

Thyroid Nodule Prevalence in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on thyroid nodule prevalence
 Methods: A total of 384 patients who were followed up with Grade 2-3 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver diagnosis were investigated for the presence of multinodular and/or nodular goiter. Demographic characteristics, biochemical data, and abdominal and thyroid ultrasonography reports of the patients were collected from patient files and electronic records.
 Results: The ALT (cut-off level 10-40 U/L), GGT (cut-level 0 - 65 U / L), triglyceride (0-150 mg/dL), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR index value < 2.71), and TSH (cut-off level 0.45-4.12 mU / L), which are biochemical and metabolic parameters examined in our study, increased at statistically significant levels as the fat increased in the liver. A total of 45.8% (176/384) of the patients had Grade-2 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and 54.1% (208/384) had Grade-3 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. As fat increased in the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, the prevalence of nodules increased at statistically significant levels (p=0.001).
 Conclusion: Our study found that the frequency of thyroid nodules, disruption of the parenchymal structure, and metabolic and biochemical disruption are parallel in non-Alcoholic fatty liver patients.

A study on the frequency of thyroid nodules and uterine fibroids in Chinese breast cancer patients

A study on the frequency of thyroid nodules and uterine fibroids in Chinese breast cancer patients

Thyroid Nodules in Patients with Acromegaly: Frequency According to the ACR TI-RADS Classification and its Relationship with Disease Activity.

In our study, we aimed to determine the frequency of thyroid nodules in patients with acromegaly according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification and its relationship with acromegaly disease activity. A total of 56 patients with acromegaly and age, sex, and body mass index matched with 56 healthy control subjects were included in our study. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody levels of patients and control subjects were measured. In addition, patients and healthy controls were evaluated by ultrasonography to determine thyroid structure, thyroid volume, and thyroid nodules and to make ACR TI-RADS classification. Thyroid nodules were present in 31 (55.4%) of 56 patients in the acromegaly group and 20 (35.7%) of 56 subjects in the control group, and the frequency of thyroid nodules was significantly higher in the acromegaly group (p=0.038). The mean number of nodules in the acromegaly group and control group was 1.27±1.43 and 0.48±0.73, respectively, and the mean number of nodules was significantly higher in the acromegaly group (p=0.003). The number of patients with TI-RADS 1, TI-RADS 2, and TI-RADS 4 nodules in the acromegaly group was higher than the control group (p=0.026, p=0.049, p=0.007, respectively). No difference was found in terms of cytological findings between those who have undergone FNAB in the acromegaly group and control group. In our study, we found that the frequency of thyroid nodules, the number of thyroid nodules, and the number of TI-RADS 1, TI-RADS 2, and TI-RADS 4 nodules increased in patients with acromegaly. There was no significant difference between acromegaly disease activity and thyroid nodule frequency, number of thyroid nodules, and TI-RADS classifications.

Hospital-Based Ultra-Sonographic Prevalence and Spectrum of Thyroid Incidentalomas in Pakistani Population.

Introduction: Thyroid incidentalomas (TIs) are clinically asymptomatic nodules found accidentally during imaging studies ordered for some other reasons. Being easily accessible, non-invasive, and inexpensive, thyroid ultrasound (US) is a key investigation in the management of thyroid nodules.Methods: This ultrasound-based cross-sectional study was performed in the radiology department of a major tertiary care hospital. Every second patient visiting the emergency department was a potential candidate for a thyroid ultrasound. Patients having ages greater than 20 years were included in the study.Results: A total of 250 patients were included in the study. Out of these, 175 were female and 75 were male. The majority (54.80%) were in the age group 21-30 years. Nodules were found in 65 (26%) patients and in the majority of cases (67.7%) they were multiple in number. Associated lymphadenopathy was seen in only one patient. Thyroid nodules were more common in females as compared to males (75.38% versus 24.62%). According to Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (TI-RADS) classification, the majority of the nodules were falling in TI-RADS 1 (74%) followed by TI-RADS 3 (9.60%) and 4A (8.80%).Conclusion: The thyroid nodules are more commonly seen in females as compared to males. A significant association is seen between the frequency of thyroid nodules and increasing age. The majority of thyroid nodules fall in TI-RADS 1 category followed by TI-RADS 3 and 4A.

Comparison of Thyroid Volume, TSH, Free t4 and the Frequency of Thyroid Nodules in Obese and Non-obese Subjects and Correlation of These Parameters with Clinical Markers of Insulin Resistance

Comparison of Thyroid Volume, TSH, Free t4 and the Frequency of Thyroid Nodules in Obese and Non-obese Subjects and Correlation of These Parameters with Clinical Markers of Insulin Resistance

"Comparison of thyroid volume, TSH, free t4 and the prevalence of thyroid nodules in obese and non-obese subjects and correlation of these parameters with insulin resistance status".

Background:To compare thyroid volume, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free t4 and the prevalence of thyroid nodules between obese and non-obese subjects. Also, the association between BMI and insulin resistance status with various parameters of thyroid gland was evaluated.Methods:Fifty–two patients with obesity and 38 volunteers aged 20-50 years with normal body mass index (BMI), were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients with diabetes, history of thyroid disorders, and patients, who were taking medications that influence their blood glucose or insulin levels or modified thyroid function tests, were excluded. TSH, free t4, insulin and glucose and thyroid sonography were carried out and the results compared between two groups. P<0.05 was considered as significant.Results:Thyroid volume was higher (p<0.001) and free t4 was lower (p<0.001) in patients with obesity but there was no difference in TSH between groups. Prevalence of thyroid nodules was 15.7% and 10.8% in obese and non-obese groups, respectively (p=0.51). Frequency of nodules was significantly higher in insulin resistant than non- insulin resistant subjects (22% vs.2%, p=0.01). BMI was associated with thyroid volume (r=0.44, p<0.001) and free t4 (r=-0.35, p=0.001). HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance) had no correlation with thyroid volume (p=0.38), but associated with free t4 (r=-0.25, p=0.01).Conclusion:Free T4 was lower and volume of thyroid was higher in obese subjects, but TSH and frequency of thyroid nodules had no significant difference between obese and non-obese counterparts. Insulin resistant individuals had more nodules but thyroid volume was mainly associated with BMI.

Frequency of thyroid nodules in patients with β-thalassemias in Southern Iran.

Although thyroid nodules are a common finding in the general population, determining the clinically important nodules is essential. We investigated thyroid nodules or cysts by thyroid ultrasonography (US) in patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) and intermedia (β-TI). We also report a β-TI patient who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer six months before our screening. In this cross-sectional study, 178 patients with β-thalassemias referred to the Thalassemia Clinic in a tertiary hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were investigated, from January to June 2016, by US. Thyroid nodules or cysts were detected in 11 patients [total: 6.17 %; 8 patients with β-TM (8.2%) and 3 patients with β-TI (3.7%)]. All nodules were < 1 cm in diameter and were not suspicious of malignancy. All patients, after 1 year of thyroid US follow-up, did not show any significant change in favor of malignancy. Based on our results, the frequency of thyroid nodules was similar to what was reported in the general population. However, a long-term follow-up of these patients is recommended because of the potential carcinogenic effects of iron and hepatitis C infection (HCV). To achieve more precise information, collaborative multicenter studies should be considered.

Large-Scale Comparative Analysis Reveals A Simple Model To Predict The Prevalence Of Thyroid Nodules.

BackgroundThe frequency of thyroid nodules (TNs) has increased rapidly in recent decades. We established a simple, effective model to predict TN occurrence by a large-scale comparative analysis of the Chinese population.Subjects and methodsA total of 13,307 subjects were included to screen risk factors between the case group (TN+) and the control group (TN-) by univariate and multivariate analyses. A simple prediction model formed by a subset of five factors was established. The optimal index points for predicting the prevalence of TNs, the model discriminatory power and the association of the model with the size of TNs were assessed.ResultsAge at diagnosis ≥45 years, female sex, body mass index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m2, hypertension, antithyroglobulin antibody (TGAB) ≥16.5 IU/mL were independently related to an increased risk of TNs. The cutoff value of 4 points was found to be the best prediction for the prevalence of TNs in the current study, and the model had better discriminatory power than other single independent predictors. In addition, a positive correlation was also found between the index points and the diameter of TNs.ConclusionBased on our prediction model, thyroid high-resolution ultrasound and associated laboratory tests may be necessary for patients with index points ≥4 due to a higher prevalence of thyroid nodules.

Thyroid Nodules in Severely Obese Patients: Frequency and Risk of Malignancy on Ultrasonography

ABSTRACTBackground: We aimed to compare the thyroid ultrasonographic findings of severely obese versus nonobese individuals, and the frequency, characteristics, and risk of malignancy in detected nodules.Design: Case-control study including 67 adults with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m2) and 67 nonobese controls (BMI < 30 kg/m2). The participants underwent ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid and cervical subcutaneous tissue. The risk of malignancy in detected nodules was determined using the American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2015 and the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classifications. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed in nodules for which the procedure was recommended according to the ATA-2015 or TI-RADS criteria, and the cytological evaluation followed the Bethesda classification.Results: The mean BMI values in the case and control groups were 47.0 ± 6.1 kg/m2 and 22.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2, respectively. There were no differences between groups regarding sex, age, total T3, and antiperoxidase (antiTPO) antibody positivity. When compared with controls, severely obese individuals showed a greater frequency of parenchymal hypoechogenicity (p = 0.042), cervical subcutaneous tissue thickness (p < 0.001), overall frequency of thyroid nodules (p = 0.038), and frequency of multiple nodules (p = 0.013). No significant differences were observed in terms of risk of nodular malignancy according to both the ATA-2015 and TI-RADS classifications in severely obese compared with nonobese individuals.Conclusions: Severely obese individuals (versus nonobese controls) presented increased parenchymal hypoechogenicity and frequency of thyroid nodules on ultrasonographic evaluation. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of risk of nodular malignancy between both groups according to the ATA-2015 and TI-RADS criteria. Thus, ultrasonographic thyroid screening of severely obese individuals is not justified.

Frequency of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer in thyroidectomized patients with Graves' disease.

IntroductionIncidental thyroid cancers are frequently detected in patients operated on for Graves’ disease (GD). There are no clear data about the incidence and risk factors of incidental thyroid cancer in operated GD patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of thyroid carcinoma in surgically treated GD patients.Material and methodsThe data of 121 GD patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in a single center between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The diagnosis of thyroid cancer was based on pathological examination.ResultsThyroid cancer was demonstrated in postoperative pathology specimens of 34 patients who were surgically treated for GD (28.1%). Preoperative thyroid ultrasonography (USG) revealed a nodular goiter in 62 (51.2%) patients. Nodules were not detected in the other 59 (48.8%) patients with GD. The frequency of thyroid cancer was significantly higher in patients with nodules (38% vs. 16%; p = 0.009). Thirty-two of the 34 cancer cases had papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and the remaining 2 had follicular thyroid cancer (FTC). Of the 32 PTC patients, 28 were classical type, 2 patients had the follicular variant, 1 was the oncocytic variant, and 1 was a tall cell variant.ConclusionsThe incidence of thyroid cancer was higher in patients who underwent surgery for GD. In addition to a careful physical examination in the follow-up of the patients with GD, ultrasonographic evaluation should be performed. Surgical treatment should not be delayed in patients with GD when indicated.

Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

Introduction A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was performed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT). Objective The objective was to assess the safety and actions of LLLT 6 years after completion of the RCT. Materials and Methods Forty-three participants were invited to participate in this study 6 years after completion of the RCT. Twenty-five were subjected to LLLT (group L), and 18 were subjected to placebo (group P). Primary outcome measure: frequency of thyroid nodules, which were subjected to fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Secondary outcome measures: dose of levothyroxine required to treat hypothyroidism, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg). Results In group L, a nodule was observed in three patients, who all had a Bethesda II classification. In group P, a nodule was also observed in three patients, with two classified as Bethesda II and one as Bethesda III. The levothyroxine dose required by group L was significantly lower than that required by group P (P = 0.002). The anti-TPO and anti-Tg levels did not differ between the groups. Conclusion LLLT, by the methods described, has been shown to be safe for the treatment of hypothyroidism resulting from CAT. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02240563.

Comparative ultrasound evaluation of thyroid nodule incidence among diabetics and healthy adults without overt thyroid disease

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased incidence of thyroid abnormalities, including thyroid nodules and gland enlargement, compared to healthy individuals. Some of these nodules can be malignant. Ultrasound is a valuable tool in assessing the thyroid gland, for such parenchymal abnormalities. We assessed by means of ultrasound, the incidence of thyroid nodules and other parenchymal changes in diabetic patients, and compare same with apparently healthy controls. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty adult diabetic patients and an equal number of apparently healthy adults were sonographically examined. In each subject, both lobes of the gland were scanned with a 5-12 MHz linear array transducer of a Sonoace ultrasound scanner. The thyroid was examined for nodules and other parenchymal abnormalities. Results: Thyroid nodules were noted in both diabetic and control groups. Both male and female diabetic patients had significantly greater number of thyroid nodules compared to controls; 18 male diabetics or 34.6% against 2 male controls or 4.5%; P = 0.001 and 22 female diabetics or 32% against 13 females controls or 17%; P = 0.033. Gender did not influence the detection of thyroid nodules among diabetics. Conclusion: Diabetic patients have higher frequency of thyroid nodules compared to apparently healthy individuals. It is recommended that the nodules be subjected to further imaging studies/biopsy for possibility of malignancies.

Thyroid and parathyroid tumours in patients submitted to X-ray scalp epilation during the tinea capitis eradication campaign in the North of Portugal (1950-1963).

Tinea capitis attained epidemical proportions in the fifth and sixth decades in Portugal, as in other countries. Before starting the utilization of griseofulvin in 1959, the best approach to treat tinea capitis infection was X-ray scalp epilation combined with topical antimycotic ointments. A long-term side effect of this therapy is thyroid disease, namely thyroid cancer; data on parathyroid lesions (hyperplasia, adenoma and carcinoma) are scarce. We observed clinically 1,375 individuals irradiated in childhood for tinea capitis treatment in the North of Portugal with the main purpose of evaluating thyroid and parathyroid tumours as possible sequelae of the irradiation treatment. For each individual, a cervical ultrasound and a serum calcium measurement were proposed. Fine needle aspiration cytology was suggested whenever ultrasound thyroid nodules presented suspicious features. We observed a 54 % frequency of thyroid nodules and a 2.8 % frequency of thyroid carcinoma (38/1,375). Nineteen of the 38 (50 %) carcinomas were diagnosed by us, whereas the remaining 19 carcinomas had been diagnosed and treated prior to our observation. The carcinomas were significantly more frequent in women than in men. Benign excised lesions were also significantly more frequent in women and in patients irradiated at younger ages. Seven women, considered asymptomatic until our clinical observation, had laboratory signs of hyperparathyroidism. The data we have obtained, namely high thyroid cancer frequency, corroborate previous data from childhood irradiated cohorts and highlight the need for the close follow-up of these populations in order to identify and treat early undiagnosed head and neck lesions. No evidence of increased parathyroid disease was found in this cohort of head and neck X-irradiated patients.

Incidentally discovered thyroid nodules: frequency in an adult population during Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of cervical vessels

In this study, the frequency of thyroid nodules was searched in a population of consecutive patients undergoing routine cervical Doppler evaluation with the use of high-end color Doppler ultrasound units equipped with new technologies that increase nodule conspicuity. Three hundred and fifteen subjects, who had been referred for Doppler ultrasonography of cervical vessel examination, were enrolled in the study. During the examinations, the presence or absence of thyroid nodules, if present, their number (as "single" or "multiple"), the longest diameter, and internal echo pattern of the largest nodule were noted. As a result, one hundred and sixty-one subjects (51 %) were shown to have at least one thyroid nodule. In this subgroup, 54 cases had single and 107 cases had multiple nodules. Incidental thyroid nodules were detected in similar ratios in both men and women (p = 0.34). The results of the study led to the conclusion that half of the elder adult population had at least one thyroid nodule. Use of ultrasound technologies with increasing resolution seems to help significantly in detecting and also evaluating smaller and previously unknown nodules.

New evidence about thyroid cancer prevalence: prevalence of thyroid cancer in younger and middle-aged Japanese population

We have made a cross-sectional investigation of men in the Japanese military for the presence of thyroid abnormalities and thyroid cancer to document the prevalence of thyroid disease in these persons. Six thousand, four hundred and twenty-two Japanese military men and women were screened for thyroid disease by history, physical examination and ultrasound examination. Among them, 6,182 were men 50 years of age, 47 were women 50 years of age, and 149 were men 40 years of age and 44 were women 40 years of age. Among the 50 years old men, thyroid nodules were found in 924 men (14.9%): Nineteen individuals (0.31%) had thyroid cancers ranging from 1 mm to 30 mm in diameter (12.5 mm in mean), pathological TNM staging revealed 7 cases of stage I, 2 cases of stage II and 9 cases of stage III. There was a significant increase in thyroid nodules in 50 years old men compared to that in 40 year old men, but there was no significant difference between men and women (p>0.05). Our data document that the detection rate of thyroid cancer in 50 years old men was 0.31%, and the rate of thyroid nodules increased with age in men, but the frequency of thyroid nodules were similar in men and women of the same age.

Frequency of Thyroid Nodules among Patients with Colonic Polyps

Aim. Colonic polyps and thyroid nodules are common diseases and their frequency increases with age. In the literature, there is no study investigating the coexistence of colonic polyps and thyroid nodules. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate thyroid nodule prevalence in patients with colonic polyps. Material and Methods. Sixty-six patients with colonic polyps and 146 patients without colonic polyps enrolled into the study. Age and sex matched control group was composed from patients without colonic polyps. Colonoscopic examinations, thyroid ultrasonographies were performed in all patients, and TSH were measured. Results. Male/female ratio in polyp and control groups were 40/26 versus 68/78, respectively (P = 0.058). Mean ages were similar in both groups (53.3 ± 11.4 versus, 51.8 ± 11.4, P = 0.373). Thyroid nodule was detected in 44 (66.7%) patients with polyps and in 61 (41.8%) controls (P = 0.001). Patients with adenomatous polyps had 5 or more thyroid nodules compared to patients with hyperplastic polyps (P = 0.03). Thyroid nodules were more prevalent among patients aged 50 or older compared to 50 years or less (P = 0.023). Conclusion. Thyroid nodules were detected more common in patients with colonic polyps. Further studies are needed to clarify this coexistence.

Iodine availability, thyroid structure and function in residents of the city of Mirny, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Iodine availability for residents of the city of Mirny, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), was estimated from urinary iodine and creatinine levels and their calculated ratio. Median of iodine/creatinine ratio in the groups of children and adults included in the study was 167.2 and 110.5 mcg/g respectively. Goiter was diagnosed by ultrasound in 0.4% of men and 4.9% of women. Diffuse and focal changes of the thyroid echographic pattern were revealed in the overwhelming majority of the examined subjects (91.7% of the adults and 66.1% of the children). The frequency of thyroid nodules was 5.0% and 20.3% in men and women respectively. Serum TSH level exceeded the respective reference values in 10.9% of the men and 18.2% of the women.

Thyroid ultrasound volume, structure and function after long-term high exposure of large population to polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides and dioxin

We examined 2046 adults (834 males and 1212 females aged 20–75 years) from polluted district in East Slovakia (POLL) and two neighboring upstream and upwind located districts of background pollution (BCGR). By ultrasound we estimated the thyroid volume (ThV), hypoechogenicity (HYE), nodules and cysts. Serum levels of thyrotropin (TSH), thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOab) and thyroglobulin were estimated by electrochemiluminiscent assay and these of 15 PCB congeners, p, p′-DDE, p, p′-DDT, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and hexachlorocyclohexane by high-resolution gas chromatography. In 320 subjects also selected hydroxylated and methylsulfonated PCB metabolites, polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs), -furans (PCDFs), five dioxin-like coplanar and eight mono-ortho PCB congeners were estimated. Urinary iodine was measured by automatic microplate method. Reciprocal positive association was found between three major POPs (PCBs, DDE and HCB), the levels of these and also PCDDs plus PCDFs in polluted area being considerably higher than in background pollution area. ThV in groups of males and females from POLL with high PCBs level was significantly higher ( p < 0.001 by t-test) then in age and sex matched groups from BCGR with low PCBs level. In 1048 males and females aged <60 years with serum PCBs level >1000 ng g −1 lipid (median = 1756 ng g −1) a significant effect of age on ThV was found ( p < 0.01 by ANOVA), while in 921 respective subjects with PCBs level <1000 ng g −1 (median = 661 ng g −1) it was not. These findings supported the view on the additional effect of PCBs on ThV other than that of age. Since the urinary iodine in both districts showed optimal range, any interfering effect of unsatisfactory iodine intake on ThV may be excluded. The frequency of autoimmune thyroiditis signs such as HYE, increased serum level of TPOab and TSH resulting in subclinical or overt thyroid hypofunction was positively associated with sex, age and organochlorine levels. The increase of such frequency in males with POPs levels was much more abrupt than that in females. No considerable differences in the frequency of thyroid nodules as related to PCBs level were found.

Iodine Nutrition, Nodular Thyroid Disease, and Urinary Iodine Excretion in a German University Study Population

We determined the influence of different nutritional factors on the urinary iodine excretion in an East German university population. First, we assessed iodine excretion in spot urine samples. Second, we measured iodine content in the university canteen meals, where approximately 20% of the probands had regular meals. Third, we used a special food questionnaire to assess for other sources of nutritional iodine intake, namely iodine tablets, fish consumption, etc. Fourth, we determined the actual prevalence of goiter and thyroid nodules in our probands by high-resolution ultrasonography. The mean urinary iodine excretion in our cohort was 109 +/- 81 microg/g level indicating a borderline adequate iodine intake (100-200). The frequency of thyroid nodules was 30% and the frequency of goiter 11%. Thyroid volumes greater than 18 mL and 25 mL were considered to be enlarged in adult women and men respectively. Urinary iodine excretion was not related to the presence of goiter or thyroid nodules. In addition urinary iodine excretion did not vary with regular consumption of canteen meals, which contained approximately 50% of the daily recommended iodine intake. In contrast probands with regular supplementary intake of iodine tablets had significantly higher values of urinary iodine excretion (169 +/- 130 microg/g) compared to participants without (103 +/- 87 microg/g). No other single nutritional factor (e.g., salt, milk, or bread) had a statistically significant impact on urinary iodine excretion or was able to raise the urinary iodine excretion above the level of marginal iodine deficiency. In summary, the nutritional iodine intake in a Saxonian study population was found to be close to the margin of iodine deficiency. This shows insufficient supplementation of iodine through iodized salt/industrialized food production.