[Use of lithium carbonate in the therapy of diffuse toxic goiter].

Altogether 22 patients with diffuse toxic goiter and 14 with neurocirculatory dystonia, treated with lithium carbonate, were examined. Radioimmunoassay of the blood serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyrotropic hormone (TTH) was used to evaluate the clinical and functional effect of the drug. Lithium carbonate in a dose of 900-1800 mg daily during 4-6 weeks produced a significant reduction in T3 level; the level of T4 was less reduced, and the TTH concentration increased. The pulse rate of patient diminished. Antithyroid effect of the drug is more expressed in patients with medium severity thyrotoxicosis. No side effects were recorded.