Abstract

Introduction: Multinodular non-toxic goiter is the most prevalent thyroid pathology characterized by unilateral or bilateral thyroid growth with morphologically and/or functionally transformed follicles and euthyroidism. At thyroid sonography, in unselected populations, 20 to 30% incidence of thyroid nodules has been reported. Beside morphologic variability, lack of hyperstimulation in the majority of the multiplicated follicles is the hallmark of the disorder. Most nodular goiters grow slowly and annual growth potential of approximately 20% can be assumed.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in 50 consecutive patients who attended department of medicine, M.G.M. Medical College & M.Y. Hospital, Indore, MP, India, from one year of study duration.

Results: Cardiomegaly was present in 20% and 70% of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism patients respectively. 5% hyperthyroidism patients had feature of pulmonary congestion. All hypothyroidism patients had number of nodules >3 with a mean size of 4cm, 95% of hyperthyroidism patients had a mean of 3.9cm, while 96% euthyroidism patients mean size of nodule was 3.8cm. 80% of hypothyroidism patients had number of nodules >4 with a mean size of 4cm, 90% of hyperthyroidism patients had a mean size of 4.8cm, while 88% euthyroidism patients had mean nodule size of 5.2cm. 60% of hypothyroidism patients had number of nodules >5 with a mean of 5cm, 75% of hyperthyroidism patients had a mean of 5.4cm, while 92% euthyroidism patients had mean 5.3cm.

Conclusions: All patients with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or euthyroidism with multinodular goiter should offer ultrasonographical examination and timely follow up to see the echogenicity of the thyroid gland. There is no significant correlation with numbers or size of thyroid nodules with type of thyroid disorders in our study.

Keywords: Multinodular goiter, thyroid nodules, thyroid sonography.