Determination of thyroid volume by ultrasonic scanning

Abstract

A method for thyroid volume calculation based upon ultrasonic scanning is described. The accuracy of the method was estimated by comparing ultrasonically determined volumes with the volumes of surgically removed thyroid glands. The precision (i.e., reproducibility) was estimated by comparing the ultrasonic volumes determined by two separate investigators in a double blind fashion. The normal range of thyroid volume was evaluated in a group of volunteers. The accuracy was acceptable, but the precision was borderline and appears to be the limiting factor in the procedure. We concluded that at present this method offers no significant improvement over other methods currently in use. However, thyroid volume calculation based upon palpation of the gland cannot be standardized, and isotope scanning is a more comprehensive and expensive procedure. Several possibilities exist for improvement of the ultrasonic technique, and the procedure holds promise for the future.