Effects of Radioiodine Therapy on the Natural History of Graves' Ophtalmopathy

Abstract

21 patients with Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) received radioiodine treatment (RIT). Before 131-I therapy in all patients GO were non-active and no severe. Six patients not received any treatment before RIT; four patients received orbital radiotherapy and 11 patients received intravenous glucocorticoids. Thyreotoxicosis compensation were achieved by antithyroid medication before RIT. Antithyroid medication was stopped 10 days before RIT. Worsening of GO was seen on 47.7% patients 3 months after RIT, but only 9.5% of patients needed additional treatment GO. GO exacerbation take place in 90% of hypothyroid patients and its compensation reduced the symptoms of activity of GO for 3 months. 42.8% was without any symptoms of activity of GO by 9—12 months after RIT. Treatment of GO before RIT were improved the course of GO after RIT.

Keywords

• graves’ disease
• radioiodine treatment
• graves’ ophthalmopathy