ABSTRACT
We reviewed the medical records of 53 patients treated in 1986 for Graves' disease with moderate doses of 131I. The cumulative incidence of hypothyroidism at 3 and 12 months after therapy was 38 and 80%, respectively. The hyperthyroidism, however, was rapidly cured and only 4(7.5%) patients required a second dose of 131I. In a separate study of 21 patients with Graves' disease, we determined that the 4-hour 123I uptake measurement was as reliable as the standard 24-hour test for supporting the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. We also demonstrated that the 4-hour uptake accurately predicted the 24-hour uptake. Based on these findings and a review of the literature, we believe that either a 4 or 24-hour 123I uptake study followed by the administration of a fixed dose of 131I (10 or 15 mCi) provides a convenient and cost-effective method for treating Graves' disease.
