Endocrine Abstracts

The aim of our study was to evaluate the short term efficacy of radioiodine therapy (RIT) to reduce thyroid volume with minimal risk of hypothyroidism in patients with non-toxic nodular goitre. Material and Methods: We treated 120 patients, aged 20–76 years; (88%) of the studied groups were female and (12%) male. Initial 24 h RAIU was ranged between 22–44% and effective half-life was more than 3 days. Thyroid volume ranged between 42–170 ml. Malignant changes were excluded in all nodules by fine needle aspiration biopsy. The activity dose was calculated by the use of Marinelli’s formula and ranged between 200–800 MBq. The absorbed dose ranged between 150 and 260 Gy. Thyroid ultrasonography, and thyroid scan was done before, after 12 month and yearly for four year of RIT. Follow up control was done every 6 weeks in the first year, then every 6 months. Results: After 12 months of radioiodine therapy a mean thyroid volume reduction of 46% was achieved. Euthyroidism persist in 91% of patients, and hypothyroidism develop in 9% of patients. After 3 years of RIT 10% of patient develop hypothyroidism. After 5 years a mean thyroid volume reduction of 49% was achieved and 11% of patients develop hypothyroidism. All patients were highly satisfied; the compressive symptoms relieved. Conclusions: Radioiodine is non-invasive, safe and cost effective method of therapy for reduction of non-toxic goitre and should not be restricted to elderly patients, or to patients with high surgical risk, but should be used as first choice in every patient with non toxic nodular goitre with thyroid volume > 40 ml. Surgery should be reserved as first choice if malignancy is suspected. The reduction of thyroid volume with low percent of hypothyroidism, were due to well accurate measurement of administered activity, relatively high effective half-life, and well-organised follow up.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector