J Korean Thyroid Assoc.  2015 May;8(1):98-102. 10.11106/cet.2015.8.1.98.

Radioactive Iodine-Induced Graves' Disease in a Patient with Toxic Adenoma

• Yoon S
• Shin K
• Cho E
• Kim MJ

• KMID: 2149626
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/cet.2015.8.1.98

Abstract

We report a rare case of radioactive iodine (RAI)-induced Graves' disease in a patient with toxic adenoma. A 42-year-old woman presented with neck masses. A hot nodule was detected on a thyroid scan, which suggested toxic adenoma. She was treated with RAI. Three months after the treatment, she complained of thyrotoxic symptoms such as weight loss, palpitation, diarrhea, and menstrual irregularity. A new thyroid scan showed diffuse increased uptake, while the toxic adenoma previously detected was now a cold nodule. Moreover, an increased level of antibodies against the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor was detected. These findings indicated Graves' disease. Hence she was treated with anti-thyroid drug. This case serves as a reminder for physicians to consider RAI-induced Graves' disease if thyrotoxicosis is noted after RAI treatment.

Keyword

Graves' disease; Radioisotopes; Thyroid nodule; Thyrotoxicosis

MeSH Terms

Adenoma*
Adult
Antibodies
Diarrhea
Female
Graves Disease*
Humans
Iodine
Neck
Radioisotopes
Thyroid Gland
Thyroid Nodule
Thyrotoxicosis
Thyrotropin
Weight Loss
Antibodies
Iodine
Radioisotopes
Thyrotropin