TITLE:
Clinical, Laboratory and Ultrasound Profile of Patients with Thyroid Nodules in Kinshasa
AUTHORS:
Jacques Mbizi Kumbu, Aliocha Natuhoyila Nkodila, Jules Nakafwako Kuzeye, Serge Fueza Bisuta, Dédé Tshitemb Matanda, Jacquie Bonsuani Lessenge, Jacques Aimé Bangudi Bazeboso, Erick Matondo Matondo, Raoul Vindu Makelele, Oscar Eputa Mokambo, Honoré Yambula Kiabaka, E. Sangwa Muyumba, Augustin Mutsunga Kasereka, Christophe Mulondwa Kimona, Franck Ngoange Kasereka, Florent Zola Kiazayawoko, Cynthia Bokumba Minouche, Michel Tshikwela Lelo, Antoine Molua, Jean Tshibola Mukaya
KEYWORDS:
Thyroid Nodule, Ultrasound, Profile, Kinshasa
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.10 No.9,
September
26,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Thyroid nodule is a common disorder normally detected by ultrasound. However, little is known about the prevalence of thyroid nodules in the population of Kinshasa. The objective of this study is to determine the ultrasound profile of thyroid nodules and its characteristics in patients followed in Kinshasa hospitals. Methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study, based on the medical records of patients who have been operated on in hospitals in Kinshasa. All participants underwent thyroid ultrasound. The clinical and sonographic characteristics were studied. Results: In total, 61 patients (mean age: 47.38 ± 8.8 years, 96.7% women) were included in this study. The mean clinical score of the patients was 3.4 ± 0.84. The majority of patients were classified as having an intermediate risk (85.2%). The majority of ultrasounds performed were indicated for anterior cervical swelling (78.7%). The majority of patients had more than three nodules (34.4%), the outline of the nodules was more regular (85.2%), they had a rounded shape in 11.5%, mostly isoechogenic echogenicity (62.3%) and a solid echostructure in 54.1%. A total of 57.4% of nodules had central vascularization and 23% calcifications. After stratification according to the EU-TIRADS score, a majority of patients were classified at stages 3 and 4 (47.5% and 34.4% respectively). Conclusion: This study showed a proportion of thyroid nodules at malignant risk. Therefore, screening for thyroid nodules should be added to routine workups especially in women to improve early detection of thyroid nodules, targeting those with a high risk profile.