Abstract

ALTHOUGH radioactive iodine, I131, has been used successfully in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis since 1943, there have been no published reports of hypoparathyroidism occurring as a complication. We have recently observed temporary hypoparathyroidism in a 14-yearold boy, seventy-four days following a therapeutic dose of I131.

CASE HISTORY

The patient was seen first in May 1950, with a three-year history of tremor, nervousness, and increased sweating. Heat tolerance was normal, as were appetite and weight gain.

The thyroid gland was grossly enlarged, the right lobe measuring 5 by 3 cm., the left lobe 4 by 3 cm., and the isthmus 3 by 3 cm. The gland was firm, with no definite nodules; there was no bruit or thrill. The heart was not enlarged; the rate was 110 and regular, and there were no murmurs. The systolic blood pressure was 110 and the diastolic 60 mm. of mercury. There was no exophthalmos. Several small anterior cervical lymph glands were palpable. The basal metabolic rate was +30 per cent, and the blood cholesterol concentration, 138 mg. per cent. Biopsy of a.cervical node showed only mild inflammatory reaction.

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