The indications for, and the complications of, radioiodine therapy are shown in Fig. 17.54. This form of treatment, used widely in North America for all age groups, is now being used more freely in the UK and Europe, because, despite many years of follow-up, there is no convincing evidence of the development of thyroid carcinoma or leukaemia. Hypothyroidism is the only significant complication of radioiodine therapy, its prevalence being related to the dose. All patients treated with radioiodine must be followed up long term, as there is an increment of thyroid failure over many years. Administration of smaller doses of radioiodine does not avoid hypothyroidism and increases the need for additional courses of antithyroid treatment.
