Reduction of size of thyroid with radioactive iodine in multinodular non-toxic goitre

Abstract

Treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine (iodine-131) is well accepted and can achieve a substantial decrease in the size of the thyroid. Precise data on the effect of such treatment on the size of the thyroid in non-toxic goitre are lacking, and its potential role in this condition remains to be established. This study aimed at investigating the effects of treatment with iodine-131 on thyroid function and ultrasonically determined thyroid volume in patients with non-toxic goitre. We studied 25 patients (24 women, one man; median age 56 (range 41-79)) who were followed up for a minimum of 12 months after treatment of non-toxic goitre with iodine-131. This study shows a substantial reduction in the size of the thyroid in all patients treated with iodine-131; two patients, however, required an additional dose to achieve this. Treatment of non-toxic multinodular goitre with iodine-131 seems an attractive alternative to operation in patients with a high operative risk or after thyroidectomy or those who refuse operation.