I Gayed1, J Wendt, T Haynie, R Dhekne, W Moore. 1. Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA. Isis@.Gayed@uth.tmc.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: It has been reported that the effect of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment is complete in 4 to 6 months. This retrospective study evaluated the appropriate time for repeated treatment of hyperthyroid disease with RAI after initial treatment failure. METHODS: Outcomes of 128 patients treated with RAI for hyperthyroid disease were reviewed retrospectively at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Eighty patients (group A) were treated successfully with a single dose of RAI. Twenty patients (group B) required a second treatment dose. Twenty-eight patients were lost to follow-up. All patients in group A were clinically improved to various degrees at 3 months and continued to improve at 6 months. All eight patients in group B who showed no improvement at 3 months remained the same at 6 months. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Patients with hyperthyroid disease who are unimproved at 3 months can be retreated with RAI without further delay.
PURPOSE: It has been reported that the effect of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment is complete in 4 to 6 months. This retrospective study evaluated the appropriate time for repeated treatment of hyperthyroid disease with RAI after initial treatment failure. METHODS: Outcomes of 128 patients treated with RAI for hyperthyroid disease were reviewed retrospectively at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Eighty patients (group A) were treated successfully with a single dose of RAI. Twenty patients (group B) required a second treatment dose. Twenty-eight patients were lost to follow-up. All patients in group A were clinically improved to various degrees at 3 months and continued to improve at 6 months. All eight patients in group B who showed no improvement at 3 months remained the same at 6 months. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSION:Patients with hyperthyroid disease who are unimproved at 3 months can be retreated with RAI without further delay.