The increasing incidence of hypothyroidism within one year after radioiodine therapy for toxic diffuse goiter

J Nucl Med. 1978 Feb;19(2):180-4.

Abstract

Patients treated with 10 mCi of I-131 for toxic diffuse goiter in the period January 1974--June 1976 were evaluated for development of hypothyroidism. Fifty percent were hypothyroid within 3 mo and 69% within 1 yr of treatment. Our data suggest that there is a higher incidence of hypothyroidism after standard doses of I-131 in the 1970s as contrasted with treatment groups in the 1950s and 1960s. The pathophysiology of this increased incidence is not known with certainty; however, infrequent use of thionamide medication, together with recent increases in dietary iodine, may render the gland more radiosensitive.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / radiotherapy*
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology*
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / adverse effects*
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Methylthiouracil / adverse effects
  • Methylthiouracil / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Methylthiouracil