THE USE OF I133IN THE TREATMENT OF GRAVES' DISEASE*†

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Abstract
INTRODUCTION ONE of the first radioisotopes of iodine used to treat hyperthyroidism was cyclotron-produced I130 with a half-life of 12.5 hours (1–3). It was not until 1946 that the pile-produced isotope I131, with a half-life of 8.1 days, was made available. Since then, wide experience has been accumulated with this isotope in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Recent studies (4) have suggested that other radioisotopes of iodine might be used for this type of therapy with varying advantages in decreasing the total body radiation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible use of I133 for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. In this study the amount of radiation to the blood following a fixed dose to the thyroid is used as a criterion to determine the relative advantage of the isotope. The rad is used as the unit of radiation dosage. It represents an absorbed dose of 100 ergs of energy per gram, and for tissue it is approximately equal to the roentgen or rep.

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