[Iodine-131 therapy for large goiter with hyperthyroidism: clinical observation of 38 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of iodine-131 therapy for large goiter complicated by hyperthyroidism.


METHODS
After the diagnosis of large goiter complicated by hyperthyroidism was established, the weight of the patient's thyroid gland was determined, and the doses of iodine-131 calculated according to the formula currently available. After a single dose of oral iodine-131 capsule, the patients were observed for the therapeutic efficacy and side effects. Some patients were given the second or even the third dose of iodine-131.


RESULTS
All of the 38 patients were cured by 1 to 3 single doses of iodine-131 therapy, of whom 23 (60.5%) needed only a single dose for the cure, 13 (34.2%) required the second dose, and 2 (5.3%) necessitate a third dose. Hypothyroidism occurred in 4 cases (10.5%), and none of the patients developed hyperthyroidism crisis and dyspnea.


CONCLUSIONS
Iodine-131 therapy for serious goiter with hyperthyroidism is safe and effective, which can be used as a routine therapy for this condition.
Zhao
Yong-Sheng
YS
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518035, China. szsait@163.com
Zhao
Cong-Wen
CW
Huang
Tie-Jun
TJ
He
Bei
B
Yi
Wei
W
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006042:Goiter / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes