Process to radioactive iodine treatment for Graves' hyperthyroidism: condemned or absolved?

Background: Radioactive iodine (RAI) is an effective treatment for Graves' disease, as it eradicates hyperthyroidism in > 90% of cases after a single dose. It causes lifelong hypothyroidism. Its popularity has declined in the last 15 years, due to several reasons, including the desire to avoid permanent hypothyroidism and preserve the thyroid, the fear to increase all-cause mortality, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular mortality and major cardiovascular events (MACE), the concern about radiation-related (thyroidal and nonthyroidal) cancer or occurrence/progression of Graves' orbitopathy (GO), and pregnancy planning in the near future.

Design: Narrative review.

Results: Hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease is associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular mortality, MACE, cancer, occurrence/progression of GO, gonadal dysfunction in both sexes, impaired health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). RAI does not increase all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MACE, cancer, and may rather reduce them if treatment promptly results in hypothyroidism. RAI bears a small risk of de novo occurrence or progression of mild GO, preventable by steroid prophylaxis. It may be used also in moderate-to-severe and active GO, if the latter is concomitantly treated with high-dose immunosuppression. RAI neither permanently impairs gonadal function or fertility nor is associated with abnormalities in the offspring. Recent evidence on HR-QoL after RAI is reassuring.

Conclusions: RAI is not only an effective treatment for Graves' hyperthyroidism, but is also safe. Its declining reputation should be rehabilitated. A balanced and unbiased presentation of its advantages and disadvantages by the physician to the patient is warranted.