What is the long-term consequence of radioactive iodine treatment for Graves disease?

What is the long-term consequence of radioactive iodine treatment for Graves disease?

• A. Permanent hypothyroidism requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement
• B. No change in thyroid function
• C. Temporary hypothyroidism
• D. Permanent hyperthyroidism

Answer: (A)

Radioactive iodine therapy works by destroying thyroid tissue, which reduces the gland’s ability to produce thyroid hormones. Over time this loss of function becomes permanent, so most patients end up with permanent hypothyroidism that requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. After treatment, some fluctuation in thyroid function can occur initially, but the long-term outcome is loss of hormone production rather than a return to hyperthyroidism or no change.

Radioactive iodine therapy works by destroying thyroid tissue, which reduces the gland’s ability to produce thyroid hormones. Over time this loss of function becomes permanent, so most patients end up with permanent hypothyroidism that requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. After treatment, some fluctuation in thyroid function can occur initially, but the long-term outcome is loss of hormone production rather than a return to hyperthyroidism or no change.