VARYING RESPONSES TO RADIOACTIVE IODINE (I131) THERAPY IN HYPERTHYROID PATIENTS

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Abstract
Re-sponse to I131 therapy in hyperthyroid patients varies from individual to individual. Clinical benefit is usually seen within 1 month following therapy. However, thyroid function tests may remain abnormally elevated many months after treatment before returning to normal, although the patient shows excellent clinical response. Other patients show abnormally low tests after treatment, clinically remaining euthyroid or even becoming temporarily hypothyroid. Still other patients, after average dosages of I131, gradually become hypothyroid, occasionally permanently. This spectrum of response to therapy not only makes dosage determination difficult, but also complicates follow-up care.