Demonstration of nodules in the normal thyroid by echography

An ultrasound examination was performed of the normal thyroid in 300 patients (164 males and 136 females). Small echoic nodules were demonstrated in 19% of the patients and fluid-filled masses in 6%. Echoic nodules occurred frequently (greater than 40%) in the seventh decade. 71% of the nodules were situated in the right lobe.