From the Research
The recommended dose of radioactive iodine (I-131) for hyperthyroidism ablation typically ranges from 10 to 30 millicuries (mCi), with most patients receiving between 15-20 mCi for Graves' disease, as per the latest guidelines from the European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging 1.
Key Considerations
- The specific dose depends on several factors including thyroid gland size, severity of hyperthyroidism, patient age, and the presence of other medical conditions.
- Prior to treatment, patients should discontinue antithyroid medications (such as methimazole or propylthiouracil) for 3-7 days before the procedure and avoid iodine-rich foods and supplements for 1-2 weeks.
- Patients should follow radiation safety precautions for several days after treatment, including limiting close contact with others (especially pregnant women and children), and may experience temporary neck tenderness or worsening hyperthyroid symptoms.
Mechanism and Outcomes
- The radioiodine works by being selectively absorbed by thyroid tissue, where it emits radiation that destroys overactive thyroid cells.
- Full therapeutic effect typically takes 1-3 months, and patients should be monitored for the development of hypothyroidism, which occurs in 80-90% of patients within the first year and may require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- A recent review published in JAMA highlights the importance of individualized treatment for hyperthyroidism, including the use of radioactive iodine ablation 2.
- Another study published in the European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging provides guidance on the selection of patients for radioiodine therapy and the applied radioiodine activity 1.
- Older studies, such as those published in Saudi medical journal 3 and Nuclear medicine review 4, also support the use of radioactive iodine ablation for hyperthyroidism, but may not reflect the latest guidelines and recommendations.