Int J Thyroidol.  2017 Nov;10(2):102-106. 10.11106/ijt.2017.10.2.102.

Development of Graves' Ophthalmopathy after Radioactive Iodine Ablation Using Recombinant Human Thyrotropin for Incidentally Discovered Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

• Park JS

• KMID: 2396814
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/ijt.2017.10.2.102

Abstract

Several studies have revealed an association between radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for Graves' disease and new or worsening Graves' ophthalmopathy. In the present case, thyroid papillary cancer was incidentally detected in a 43-year-old woman who was receiving medication for Graves' disease. This patient had undergone RAI ablation using recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) after total thyroidectomy. The patient subsequently complained of a unilateral eyelid abnormality at approximately 6 months after the RAI ablation, and was diagnosed with bilateral Graves' ophthalmopathy after a thorough ophthalmological examination. I report this case for its interesting clinical features, rarity of occurrence and to highlight the importance of careful observation for appropriate management of Graves' ophthalmopathy developing or worsening after RAI ablation in differentiated thyroid cancer patients.

Keyword

Graves' ophthalmopathy; Thyroid cancer; Recombinant human thyrotropin; Radioactive iodine

MeSH Terms

Adult
Eyelids
Female
Graves Disease
Humans*
Iodine*
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Neoplasms*
Thyroidectomy
Thyrotropin*
Iodine
Thyrotropin