HISTOLOGIC LESIONS IN THE THYROID GLANDS OF PATIENTS RECEIVING RADIOIODINE FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM*†

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Abstract
23 patients with hyperthyroidism received radioiodine; all but 2 received therapeutic doses. The thyroid glands were examined histologically. Of the 23 patients 21 became euthyroid following admn. of radioiodine. Thyroid glands of 7 patients were predominantly hyperplastic and no definite radiation effects were observed. Thyroid glands of 9 patients had lesions identical with those of Hashimoto thyroiditis. The high incidence of thyroiditis, when compared with that in non-irradiated hyper-plastic glands, is significant statistically. Four glands contained multiple nodules and showed moderate follicular atrophy of residual glandular tissue. It was concluded that this atrophy was the result of injury by irradiation. Three glands displayed diffuse follicular atrophy and fibrosis, regarded as classic lesions. Pleomorphic and hyperchromatic alterations of thyroid epithelial cells found in these glands were not believed to be related directly to irradiation.