Long-term Effects of Radioiodine in Toxic Multinodular Goiter: Thyroid Volume, Function, and Autoimmunity

Abstract

Context: Long-term studies evaluating the treatment of toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG) with fixed activities of radioiodine (RAI) are lacking.

Objective: The objective of this work is to describe the effects of 15 mCi on thyroid volume, function, and autoimmunity in the long term.

Design and setting: A population-based, retrospective analysis with up to 12 years of follow-up was conducted in Siena, Italy.

Participants: Adult patients (n = 153) with TMNG, naive to RAI, were included.

Methods: Evaluation was performed of thyroid function, antithyroid antibodies, and ultrasound scans before and yearly after RAI.

Main outcome measures: Evaluations included hyperthyroidism cure, hypothyroidism, volume reduction, nadir and regain, and antibody titer change.

Results: The study revealed mean volume reductions greater than or equal to 50% at 3 years after RAI; the greatest annual reduction was observed during the first year (30 ± 17.8%; P < .001). Most patients (60%) achieved their volume nadir 3 to 6 years after RAI. Although 22% patients showed volume regain, the net reduction was statistically significant as late as 9 years after RAI (P = .005). The mean time to hypothyroidism was 2.7 ± 2.4 years, and it was associated with greater reductions in volume (P = .01). During the first 3 years after treatment, hyperthyroid patients decreased approximately by 50% per year without additional RAI. There was no statistically significant association of antibody titers with thyroid function except for antithyrotropin receptor antibodies and hyperthyroidism (P = .004). At the end of follow-up there were 61.6% euthyroid patients, 11% hyperthyroid (4.8% overt), and 27.4% hypothyroid patients (2.7% overt). Hyperthyroidism was cured in 89%.

Conclusions: The treatment of TMNG with 15 mCi of RAI induced low hypothyroidism rates while providing high cure rates and significant volume reduction, which was maintained in the long term.

Keywords: 15 mCi; fixed activity; hyperthyroidism; radioiodine; toxic multinodular goiter; volume reduction.