[Thyroid gland volumes and the incidence of focal changes in euthyroid men and women in various age groups].

Thyroid size and the prevalence of focal changes were determined by ultrasound on 450 euthyroid men and women living in Kiel (Schleswig-Holstein). The results were grouped into three age ranges (20-35, 36-50 and 51-85). Volumes were calculated from length x width x thickness x correction factor and expressed in ml. Thyroid volume was increased in 24.7%. Men had significantly larger volumes than women; in both sexes the right lobe was significantly larger than the left one. Focal changes (cysts, nodules, calcifications) were recorded in 21%, with a peak among women in the 36-50 year age group. This latter increase was due to a high incidence of cystic changes. Cysts were noted in 11%, nodules in 10% of the entire sample. A statistically significant increase in the number of nodules was noted for both sexes in the 51-85 age groups. Calcifications were recorded in 2% of cases, with about equal rates among men and women.