The clinical evaluation of nontoxic goiter after ~(131)I therapy

Objective To evaluate the therapy of nontoxic goiter with 131I. Methods Thirty-five patients with nontoxic goiter were treated with 131I, and the clinical curative effects and side effects were observed for more than 1 year follow-up. Results Fourteen cases (40%) were once cured among the 35 patients,improvement in 19 (54.3%) cases, ineffective in 2 (5.7%) cases, hypothyroidism in 15(42.9%) cases. The average weight of thyroid was decreased about 60.2% of all patients. Despite temporary swelling of the thyroid and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, there were no other side effects found in all patients. Conclusions 131I is found to be an effective, simple and safe treatment of nontoxic goiter. Especially to the patients with obvious goiter, or ineffective with thyroid hormone preparation and unwilling to accept surgery therapy, it should be the preferred mode of therapy.