Irish Journal of Medical Science

, Volume 176, Issue 3, pp 199–203 | Cite as

The occurrence of hypothyroidism following radioactive iodine treatment of toxic nodular goiter is related to the TSH level

  • H. I. Adamali
  • J. Gibney
  • D. O’Shea
  • M. Casey
  • T. J. McKenna
Original Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Background

Strategies to increase frequency of euthyroidism following radioactive (RAI) treatment of hyperthyroidism are required.

Aims

To examine the role of TSH in development of hypothyroidism post RAI treatment in patients with Graves’ disease (N = 98) or toxic nodular goiter, TNG (N = 88).

Design

This retrospective study examined thyroid status over a mean of 3.7 years post-RAI.

Results

Although RAI dose was significantly higher in TNG group, hypothyroidism occurred more frequently in Graves’ disease (71.4 and 22.7%) P < 0.001. The TSH levels at the time of RAI treatment were lower in TNG patients who remained euthyroid, (0.4±0.1 vs. 1.2±0.5 mU/l, P < 0.0022).

Conclusions

A higher frequency of euthyroidism occurs in patients with TNG than with Graves’ disease following RAI, particularly when suppressed TSH levels were suppressed at time of RAI-treatment.

Keywords

Graves’ disease Toxic nodular goiter Radioactive iodine treatment 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr Malachi J. McKenna, St. Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire for his kind review of the manuscript and Dr Jackie McCavana for her assistance.

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Copyright information

© Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland 2007

Authors and Affiliations

  • H. I. Adamali
    • 1
    • 3
  • J. Gibney
    • 1
  • D. O’Shea
    • 1
  • M. Casey
    • 2
  • T. J. McKenna
    • 1
    • 3
  1. 1.Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes MellitusSt. Vincent’s University HospitalDublin 4Ireland
  2. 2.Department of Nuclear MedicineSt Vincents University HospitalDublin 4Ireland
  3. 3.Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical ResearchUniversity CollegeDublin 4Ireland

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