Sonographic Determination of Thyroid Gland Volume among Pregnant Women Attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In Kano state, there is a lack of documented thyroid volume data for pregnant women using ultrasound, potentially leading to misdiagnosis of goitre caused by thyroid gland enlargement during pregnancy. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the thyroid gland volume of pregnant women at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH) using ultrasound. Materials and Methods: The study took place at MMSH Kano from January 2021 to January 2023, with 300 pregnant women and 100 controls. Ultrasound scans were performed using a Toshiba TA321 Ultrasound machine. Thyroid lobe volume was calculated with the formula A × B × C × 0.479. Statistical analysis used SPSS version 21.0, employing ANOVA and independent t-tests for comparisons, and Pearson's coefficient correlation for relationships.Results: The total thyroid volume for non-gravid and gravid participants in the first, second, and third trimesters was 8.45±1.55 cm3, 7.38±2.37 cm3, 9.01±3.31 cm3, and 9.37±3.57 cm3, respectively. Significant differences were observed in demographic variables and thyroid volumes, except for age and height. There was no significant difference in right thyroid volume (RTV) and total thyroid volume (TTV) between the control and pregnant groups. However, a significant difference was found in left thyroid volume (LTV) between the groups. A moderate positive correlation was observed between TTV and weight, BMI, and BSA, while a weak positive correlation was seen with age and height. Conclusion: This study determined the thyroid gland volume in pregnant patients in Kano state, showing a progressive increase with advancing trimesters.