[Early and late results of 131I treatment of benign goitres in an endemic area in southern bavaria (author's transl)].

Following the application of 10 000 to 15 000 rd, to 471 patients with benign goitres, mechanical symptoms were relieved in 72 to 82% during a course of six follow-up examinations; the circumference of the neck was reduced by 1.2 to 1.6 cm., the scintigraphic area by 9 to 31% and maximal 131I uptake was reduced by 18 to 31%. Follow-up examinations at 6.4 and 5.5 years in 155 patients showed the best regression of neck circumference (2.2 to 2.6 cm.) and of the area of the scintigram (28 to 31%). 50% of the patients had had recurrences from previous goitre removals and 1 to 3% developed post-therapeutic hypothyroidism. There was no significant change in the level of the peripheral thyroid hormones following treatment, but 10 to 20% were within the hypothyroid range for the area of iodine deficiency.