Intentional radioiodine ablation in Graves' disease.

In a series of 50 cases of Graves' disease qualifying for therapy with radioiodine, "ablative" doses of radioiodine resulted in hypothyroidism in 92% of cases at six months. Hypothyroidism was treated by thyroxine or tri-iodothyronine replacement therapy. Rapid responses and predictable outcome were regarded as important advantages. Intentional ablation is particularly convenient in situations where clinical and biochemical follow-up may be difficult. Further follow-up studies are needed to determine whether ablative therapy is the treatment of choice in all cases of Graves' disease.