(131)I and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.
OBJECTIVE
Radioiodine ((131)I) used to obtain euthyroidism in thyrotoxic patients is suspected of having a worsening or provoking effect on thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), an autoimmune disease closely related to Graves' disease.


METHODS
This review summarises the existing literature and describes risk factors influencing the course of TAO including thyroid function, cigarette smoking and treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism (especially (131)I therapy).


CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that patients who may be at a greater risk of worsening ophthalmopathy are considered when choosing the modality of therapy of hyperthyroidism and also in deciding whether prophylactic systemic glucocorticoid treatment is indicated.
Rasmussen
A K
AK
Medical Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. aakr@rh.dk
Nygaard
B
B
Feldt-Rasmussen
U
U
D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000503:physiopathology
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes