Ultrasound-based thyroid volume of Cambodian adults

Authors

  • Sruy Huy, M.D. Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)
  • Vanthy VAR, M.D. Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)
  • Ponndara Ith, M.D. Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
  • Chanvohreak Hang, M.D. Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
  • Prorpey Khim, M.D. Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)
  • Kimsour Kuch, M.D. Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)
  • Rathana Kea, M.D. Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)
  • Chhuong Uy, M.D. Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)
  • Chinsorn Khut, M.D. Radiology Department, Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46475/asean-jr.v27i1.954

Keywords:

Utrasound, Thyroid Gland, Cambodia, Biometrics

Abstract

Background:
Accurate assessment of thyroid gland size is essential for diagnosing and managing thyroid disorders. While ultrasonography is a non-invasive and cost-effective method for evaluating thyroid volume, no reference values currently exist for the adult Cambodian population.

Objective:
This study aimed to determine normative ultrasound-based thyroid volume values in euthyroid Cambodian adults, hypothesizing that thyroid volume varies significantly by sex and lobe side.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 513 adults (306 females, 207 males) aged 18–78 years at the xxxx between April and November 2020. Inclusion criteria included normal thyroid parenchyma and absence of nodules on ultrasound. Volumes of both lobes were calculated using the ellipsoid formula: Height × Width × Thickness × π/6. Data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS version 26, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results:
The mean thyroid volume was 7.51 ± 2.74 mL. Males had significantly larger thyroid volumes (8.05 ± 2.87 mL) than females (7.15 ± 2.60 mL) (p<0.05). The right lobe (4.27 ± 1.55 mL) was significantly larger than the left lobe (3.24 ± 1.33 mL) in both sexes (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
This is the first study to establish ultrasound-based reference values for thyroid volume in Cambodian adults. The findings confirm that thyroid volume is greater in males than females and that the right lobe is typically larger than the left. These values provide a valuable baseline for clinical assessment and future research in Cambodia.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Sruy Huy, M.D., Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)

Workplace:

  • Deputy head of Radiology Department at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Street 271, Tumnob Tuek Commune, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia
  • Lecturer University of Health and Science (USH), 73 Monivong Boulevard, Sras Chork, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Education: Diploma of Specialized Studies in Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Contribution: perform ultrasound, collect all data, main author of the journal

Vanthy VAR, M.D., Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)

Work Place:

  • Deputy head of Radiology Department at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Street 271, Tumnob Tuek Commune, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia
  • Associate professor of Radiology at University of Health and Science (USH), 73 Monivong Boulevard, Sras Chork, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Education: Diploma of Specialized Studies in Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Contribution: Senior consultant radiologist; perform ultrasound, collect all data, and review the journal.

Ponndara Ith, M.D., Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Workplace: Head of Bureau of Academic and Training Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, 73 Monivong Boulevard, Sras Chork, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Education: Master of Public Health from the University of New South Wales and a Doctor of Philosophy from UTS.

Contribution: calculate the data, review the journal

Chanvohreak Hang, M.D., Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Workplace: Vice-rector at University of Health Science, 73 Monivong Boulevard, Sras Chork, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Education: Diploma of Specialized Studies in Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Contribution: Review the journal

Prorpey Khim, M.D., Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)

Workplace:

  • Senior consultant Radiologist in Radiology Department at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Street 271, Tumnob Tuek Commune, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia 
  • Lecturer University of Health and Science, 73 Monivong Boulevard, Sras Chork, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Education: Diploma of Specialized Studies in Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Contribution : Perform ultrasound and collect the data.

Kimsour Kuch, M.D., Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)

Workplace:

  • Internist at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Street 271, Tumnob Tuek Commune, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia
  • Lecturer University of Health and Science (USH), 73 Monivong Boulevard, Sras Chork, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Education: Diploma of Specialized Studies in internal medicine, University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Contribution: Calculate the data and review the journal.

Rathana Kea, M.D., Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)

Workplace:

  • Senior consultant Radiologist in Radiology Department at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Street 271, Tumnob Tuek Commune, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia
  • Lecturer University of Health and Science (USH), 73 Monivong Boulevard, Sras Chork, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Education: Diploma of Specialized Studies in Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Contribution: perform ultrasound and collect the data.

Chhuong Uy, M.D., Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; University of Health and Science (UHS)

Workplace:

  • Deputy head of Radiology Department at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Street 271, Tumnob Tuek Commune, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia
  • Lecturer University of Health and Science (USH), 73 Monivong Boulevard, Sras Chork, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Graduate: Diploma of Specialized Studies in Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Contribution: Perform ultrasound and collect the data.

Chinsorn Khut, M.D., Radiology Department, Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Workplace: Head of Radiology Department at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Street 271, Tumnob Tuek Commune, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

Education: Diploma of General Doctor, University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Contribution: Perform ultrasound and collect the data.

References

Adibi A, Mehri S, Aminorroaya A, Ehsan R, Mohsen M, Fallah Z, et al. Normal values of thyroid gland in Isfahan, an iodine replete area. J Res Med Sci. 2008 Mar-Apr;13(2):55–60. Available from: https://emrc.mui.ac.ir/sites/emrc/files/Articles/2008/Normal%20values%20of%20thyroid%20gland%20in%20Isfahan%2C%20an%20iodine%20replete%20area.pdf

Arun Prasad M, Sunil KA, Vineet S, Mayank C. Normal reference ranges of thyroid volume in North Indian subjects using ultrasound. Int J Health Clin Res. 2020;6(7):19–20.

Aydıner Ö, Aydıner EK, Akpınar I, Turan S, Bereket A. Normative data of thyroid volume—Ultrasonographic evaluation of 422 subjects aged 0–55 years. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2015 Jun;7(2):98–101. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26316430/

Brunn J, Block U, Ruf G, Bos I, Kunze WP, Scriba PC. Volumetric analysis of thyroid lobes by real-time ultrasound. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 1981 Oct 9;106(41):1338–40. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7274082/

Chanoine JP, Toppet V, Lagasse R, Spehl M, Delange F. Determination of thyroid volume by ultrasound from the neonatal period to late adolescence. Eur J Pediatr. 1991 Apr;150(6):395–9. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02093716

Gómez JM, Maravall FJ, Gómez N, Gumà A, Soler J. Determinants of thyroid volume as measured by ultrasonography in healthy adults randomly selected. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2000 Nov;53(5):629–34. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11106925/

Hegedüs L. Thyroid ultrasound. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2001 Jun;30(2):339–60. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11444166/

Hegedüs L, Perrild H, Poulsen LR, Andersen JR, Holm B, Schnohr P, et al. The determination of thyroid volume by ultrasound and its relationship to body weight, age, and sex in normal subjects. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1983 Feb;56(2):260–3. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6822636/

Henjum S, Strand TA, Torheim LE, Oshaug A, Parr CL. Data quality and practical challenges of thyroid volume assessment by ultrasound under field conditions - observer errors may affect prevalence estimates of goiter. Nutr J. 2010 Dec 14;9:66. Available from: https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-9-66

Hsiao YL, Chang TC. Ultrasound evaluation of thyroid abnormalities and volume in Chinese adults without palpable thyroid glands. J Formos Med Assoc. 1994 Feb;93(2):140–4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7912585/

Ivanac G, Rozman B, Skreb F, Brkljačić B, Pavić L. Ultrasonographic measurement of the thyroid volume. Coll Antropol. 2004 Jun;28(1):287–91. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15636085/

Knudsen N, Bülow I, Jørgensen T, Laurberg P, Ovesen L, Perrild H. Goitre prevalence and thyroid abnormalities at ultrasonography: a comparative epidemiological study in two regions with slightly different iodine status. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2000 Oct;53(4):479–85. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11012573/

Langer P. Normal thyroid size versus goiter--postmortem thyroid weight and ultrasonographic volumetry versus physical examination. Endocrinol Exp. 1989 Jun;23(2):67–76.

Nguyen TT. Determination of thyroid volume by ultrasound [Bachelor’s thesis]. Jönköping University; 2016 [cited 2019 Oct 12]. Available from: http://www.diva-portal.se/smash/get/diva2:938179/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Reiners C, Wegscheider K, Schicha H, Theissen P, Vaupel R, Wrbitzky R, et al. Prevalence of thyroid disorders in the working population of Germany: ultrasonography screening in 96,278 unselected employees. Thyroid. 2004 Nov;14(11):926–32. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15671771/

Şahin E, Elboğa U, Kalender E. Regional reference values of thyroid gland volume in Turkish adults. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2015 Mar-Apr;143(3–4):141–5. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26012121/

Turcios S, Lence-Anta JJ, Santana JL, Pereda CM, Velasco M, Chappe M, et al. Thyroid volume and its relation to anthropometric measures in a healthy Cuban population. Eur Thyroid J. 2015 Mar;4(1):55–61. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1159/000377728

World Health Organization. Assessment of iodine deficiency disorders and monitoring their elimination: a guide for programme managers. 2nd ed. Geneva: WHO; 2007 [cited 2019 Sep 15]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/43781/9789241595827_eng.pdf

Yousef M, Sulieman A, Ahmed B, Abdella A, Eltom K. Local reference ranges of thyroid volume in Sudanese normal subjects using ultrasound. J Thyroid Res. 2011;2011:935141. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/935141

Downloads

Published

2026-02-08

How to Cite

1.
Huy S, VAR V, Ith P, Hang C, KHIM P, KUCH K, et al. Ultrasound-based thyroid volume of Cambodian adults. ASEAN J Radiol [Internet]. 2026 Feb. 8 [cited 2026 Feb. 9];27(1):23-32. Available from: https://asean-journal-radiology.org/index.php/ajr/article/view/954

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 1 (2026): January-April

Section

Original Article

License

Copyright (c) 2026 The ASEAN Journal of Radiology

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Disclosure Forms and Copyright Agreements
All authors listed on the manuscript must complete both the electronic copyright agreement. (in the case of acceptance)

Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.