Very high prevalence of thyroid nodules detected by high frequency (13 MHz) ultrasound examination

The prevalence of thyroid nodules in a healthy population is high: in the German Papillon study, nationwide ultrasound screening of more than 90 000 people using 7.5 MHz scanners revealed the presence of thyroid nodules in 33% of the normal population. A study employing more sensitive 13 MHz scanners has not been conducted so far.

Six hundred and thirty-five consecutive patients (33% female, 67% male, mean 56.7 years) presenting for a preventive health check up underwent ultrasound screening of the thyroid gland (Siemens Acuson Antares, 13 MHz-linear scanner, B-mode and Power mode) and measurement of the basal TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) value. Size and degree of vascularization of the thyroid gland and of nodules were determined and analysed retrospectively.