Abstract
Palpation of the thyroid gland, completed by its ultrasonographic examination, is an important method for assessing endocrine disorders caused by insufficient iodine intake. Hypothyroidism (through iodine deficiency) can be one of the main endocrine causes of poor mental and somatic development in children. The data obtained after palpation and ultrasonographic determination of thyroid volume in two groups of children (6-12 years) with small stature from different areas of Sibiu County, a submontane area (endemic) and a hilly area (non-endemic), show statistically significant differences between the values obtained for the two groups. Goiter was present in over half of the children living in the endemic area, a statistically significant percentage, higher than that obtained for the hilly area; thyroid volume values were statistically significantly higher compared to those of non-endemic area. Thyroid volume correlates positively and statistically significantly, both with the auxological indices of children (height and body mass), but especially with their age.