The degree of reliability of ultrasound and palpation diagnostics of endemic goiter

Abstract

A population of adult residents of the Stupino district in the Moscow region is examined. Urinary iodine excretion was measured, the thyroid examined by the ultrasonic method and by palpation, and serum TTH measured. Moderate decrease of iodine excretion with the urine (median iodine level in the urine was 91.7%) \ig/liter) indicates a slight iodine deficiency. Palpation revealed enlargement of the thyroid, which was confirmed by ultrasonic examination only in 25%) cases. The highest percentage of disagreements was observed only in first-degree enlargement, the least in third-degree enlargement according to О. V. Nikolaev ’s classification. As for the types of ultrasonic structure of the gland determined by the ratio of its linear parameters (flat, triangular, and cone-like), the highest percentage of disagreements was observed in cases with the flat structure, which is the most incident (77.3%)). Subclinical hypothyrosis was detected in 3%o subjects with iodine deficiency. Only 26%) residents of the examined region regularly consume iodinated salt with food.