The variability of thyroid gland volume at the data of ultrasound anatomy (review)

Currently, the question of the criteria for assessing the ultrasound size of the thyroid gland remains controversial in view of the variety of recommendations. It is known that the linear dimensions and volume of the thyroid gland are subject to individual fluctuations and are closely related to the anthropometric and clinical determinant. Knowledge of the volume of the thyroid gland is necessary to assess a number of pathological processes, such as iodine deficiency goiter, thyroiditis, multinodular goiter and thyroid cancer, as well as to assess the effectiveness of therapy and to determine the indications for the least possible treatment. The purpose of the review is to present the features of ultrasound examination in assessing the volume of the thyroid gland according to the data of domestic and foreign literature. The material for the study was the metadata of domestic and foreign scientific articles published in anatomical and clinical medical journals. The issues of anatomical variability of organs and systems in representatives of various somatic types are recognized by many authors, but up to now they need a detailed description. Analysis of the descriptions of the results of studies of the thyroid volume shows a significant variation between the smallest and largest values of the volume. The total volume of the thyroid gland ranges from 6,26±2,89 cm3 to 18,6±4,50 cm3. The average volume of the thyroid gland in men is in the range from 6,03±2,22 cm3 to 19,6±4,7 cm3, in women from 5,62±2,14 cm3 to 17,5±4,2 cm3. The data presented in the review indicate that the linear dimensions and volume of the gland are subject to individual fluctuations and are closely dependent on factors such as gender, age and anthropometric parameters. Most authors determined the correlation between the thyroid volume and weight-height indicators, body surface area, body mass index, somatotype. It follows from the review that different indicators correspond to each geographic zone, taking into account its characteristics. Understanding and knowledge of the variability of ultrasound morphometric volume parameters is necessary for personalized treatment tactics for patients with thyroid pathology.