Occurrence of ophthalmopathy after treatment for Graves' hyperthyroidism
Article Abstract:
Older patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism who are treated with iodine-131 may have an increased risk of developing the eye disorders typical of Graves' ophthalmopathy, especially if they have elevated levels of T3, one of the thyroid hormones. Of 168 patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism, 54 patients between 20 and 34 years old were treated either with the drug methimazole for 18 months or with partial removal of the thyroid. The remaining 114 patients between 35 and 55 years old were treated with methimazole, surgery or iodine-131. The younger patients developed ophthalmopathy at the same rate regardless of which treatment they received. The older patients who received iodine-131 were more likely to develop ophthalmopathy than the others. Those receiving iodine-131 who had elevated T3 levels were almost six times more likely to develop ophthalmopathy.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Follow-up of patients with thyroid carcinoma
Article Abstract:
Radioisotope scanning of the thyroid gland to detect recurrent thyroid cancer should continue to be done by temporarily discontinuing thyroid hormone treatment. A 1997 study evaluated giving patients thyrotropin so they could have the scan while continuing to take thyroid hormone. However, this technique was not as effective as discontinuing thyroid hormone. Many patients will not need a scan because most of the thyroid is removed surgically and any remaining cancerous tissue is destroyed by radioisotopes. An increase in blood levels of thyroglobulin can alert physicians to recurrent thyroid cancer.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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