Thyroid failure after potassium iodide treatment of diffuse toxic goiter.

1. The treatment of Graves' Disease by Potassium Iodide (like thyroidectomy, radioiodine, and antithyroid drugs) is followed by rate failure of thyroid function. 2. These findings suggest that the natural history of Graves' Disease may be one of progression from hyperthyroidism towards a decreased thyroid functional state. This progression may be accelerated by ablative methods of treatment. 3. Certainly, all patients with Graves' Disease, no matter what the treatment may be, should be followed carefully for the rest of their lives. 4. In certain patients, Potassium Iodide appears to be an effective means of controlling the hyperthyroidism of Graves' Disease.